ASKEY HOPES TO CAPITALISE ON CUP CHANGES IN DEVON
Players rested at Fleetwood set to return
JOHN Askey has prioritised league matches but could still take encouragement from Vale’s Carabao Cup exit at Fleetwood.
Vale head to Exeter tomorrow hoping to reap the benefits of making ten changes in that cup match to ensure they are as sharp as possible.
So, Scott Brown, Nathan Smith, Leon Legge, David Fitzpatrick, Luke Joyce, Scott Burgess, Tom Conlon, David Worrall, Mark Cullen and Devante Rodney are all likely to return to the side, joining Zak Mills who was the only player who started both at Fleetwood and in the league win at home to Crawley.
But there is certainly competition for places. Manny Oyeleke and Cristian Montano gained more match sharpness at Fleetwood after calf and hip injuries respectively and, on that form, will soon be pressing for a league place.
Oyeleke came through 75 minutes to add to his impressive performance in last week’s EFL Trophy win at home to Tranmere.
Askey said: “Manny did really well against Tranmere and you are always expecting a little bit of a dip when they are coming back. But I thought, as the game went on, he got stronger then started to show glimpses of what he can do again. I was pleased we were able to give him 75 minutes.”
Danny Whitehead, right, could also have nudged his way closer to the league starting XI with his all-round performance and goal at Fleetwood so there is no shortage of options in midfield.
Meanwhile, Harry Mckirdy had a solid debut playing wide in the front three. He’s still gaining match sharpness but could be pleased with his efforts which included setting up Whitehead for the goal.
Askey said: “I thought he did well when he was on the ball. He looked dangerous at times and very rarely gave the ball away. He was bright and sharp so I was pleased with him.”
Mckirdy continually swapped wings with Alex Hurst who took his first team chance with a bright, hard-working performance.
The 20 year old joined the Vale in 2019 from Bradford Park Avenue, on a two-year deal, then spent last season back on loan with the National League North club. It may be that he has to go on loan again because Vale are so well blessed for wide players. David Amoo could return to training next week after a thigh injury, joining David Worrall, Devante Rodney, Mckirdy and potentially the versatile Montano as Askey’s options. The manager added: “It is tough in the position he plays in because we have so many good players. But he has done himself no harm and, if clubs are watching him, then there is more chance of being loaned out to a Conference club now. Then it is up to him to impress if he does go out on loan.”
Vale take on an Exeter side who opened their league season with a 2-2 draw at title favourites Salford.
Matt Taylor’s Grecians were responsible for one of only eight league defeats Vale suffered last season when they beat Askey’s side 2-0 in Devon a month into the campaign.
But it looks like they will be without their outstanding winger Randell Williams who missed the Salford game amid speculation he is about to be sold. Hull City and Peterborough have both been linked with him.
But with or without Williams, Vale can expect a difficult game against a side who, like themselves, are among the favourites to reach the play-offs.
Askey said: “It’s never easy. They have had one or two changes but had a good season last season.
It’s always a tough place to go but hopefully we can go there fresh now and get a result.”