FORMER Needham Market midfielder Craig Parker admits his future is up in the air.

Parker has just started a third month on loan at Ryman League Premier Division side Bury Town.

The 26-year-old, who was previously with Cambridge United as a youngster, joined Bury Town before following Danny Laws to Needham Market.

It was there that he shot to prominence thanks to his goalscoring exploits, none more so than when netting 42 times in the 2010/11 season.

That campaign ended in heartbreak as Needham lost in the Ryman League Division One North play-off semi-final to Brentwood Town.

Blue Square Bet South Chelmsford City signed Parker that summer and after he recovered from a broken foot, he established himself in the side, playing in the live-on-Sky FA Cup second round replay defeat to Macclesfield Town.

But after appearing regularly for the Clarets this season he was allowed by manager Glenn Pennyfather to go out on loan.

The move came about because Bury Town assistant manager Ben Chenery was with Chelmsford until the end of last season, but the move still came as something of a surprise.

Parker said: “You are not the first person to say that as I was playing right up until the loan happened. Ben and Bury were quite keen and they thought it would be good for me.

“I didn’t play in Chelmsford’s FA Cup tie (a 2-1 second round qualifying victory over Leatherhead) and Glenn said I was not in his plans for the match the following Saturday.

“He said to go to Bury and get some confidence and score some goals. The month flew by and Chelmsford were still involved in the FA Cup, and I am now in my third month here.

“The ground is just five minutes from where I live and both Chenners and Wilks (manager Richard Wilkins) are trying to take the club forward and I am happy to help them.

“But my future is all up in the air at the moment. I am taking each month at a time, but ultimately from the conversations I have had with the manager, I will go back to Chelmsford, although you just never know in football.”

Parker has joined an already extensive injury list following a groin injury sustained against Leiston on Tuesday and misses today’s trip to Canvey Island.

The Bury squad will be down to the bare bones due to further injury and suspension problems. Sam Nunn is suspended after clocking up five bookings, and Sam Reed could be doubtful with a tight hamstring

So it will be a chance for some of the youngsters to step up to the plate for what is sure to be a tough game.

Evan Key is certain to start in midfield and there could be places for Daniel Hitching and Liam Wales as Bury go into a packed Christmas programme.