SPIRIT IS HELPING VALE SHINE, SAYS MIDFIELDER BRAD

MIDFIELDER Brad Walker says the team spirit at Port Vale is the best he has experienced at a club. The 26-year-old former Hartlepool, Crewe, Wrexham and Shrewsbury player will be in Vale’s squad for today’s FA Cup second-round tie at Burton Albion, but faces competition for a place in the starting XI.

The summer signing started the season in the league team, but lost his place through a knee injury before returning to start last weekend’s 2-0 win at home to Hartlepool.

But with captain Tom Conlon back from suspension, manager Darrell Clarke faces a tough choice between Walker, Tom Pett, Tom Conlon and Ben Garrity for three central midfield spots if he sticks with his usual 3-5-2 formation. Walker understands that and says one reason Vale are fifth in League Two is the spirit behind the scenes. He said: “It is the best dressing room I have been in by a country mile. Everyone is pushing each other to do well. Even the lads who aren’t playing, like Ryan Johnson, came in on Saturday and was brilliant. So, there is competition for places. “There is competition for places but everyone has each other’s back. For example, the Mansfield game when Lucas (Covolan) saved his penalty, Stoney (Vale’s other senior keeper Aidan Stone) was off his seat celebrating. “Everyone wants each other to do well and hopefully that brings success.”

Walker can also play in central defence but faces competition for a place in both areas. He’s frustrated he had to have time out through injury, but is philosophical about having to wait for an opportunity now he is fit.

He said: “I started the season and got into a bit of a rhythm of playing games but then had a little niggle and the team wouldn’t stop winning! I have to bide my time, keep myself right and, when I get the chance to come in, hopefully I can impress.

“The team is more important than myself. Nobody is bigger than the club so, if the team is winning, that’s perfect. Hopefully I will just get my chance.”