Holden targets even more Vale game time after Trophy impact

RORY Holden is hopeful his impressive performance in the Papa John’s Trophy this week will be the start of a bigger contribution at Port Vale as the season progresses. The 25-year-old versatile midfielder or forward is getting his career back on track after almost two years out with a knee issue that required two operations.

He joined Vale in the summer, linking up with his former Walsall manager Darrell Clarke to continue his rehabilitation and aiming to get some football under his belt.

He has been limited to four starts and four substitute appearances so far but gave a demonstration of his ability when he started in the Trophy against Barnsley on Tuesday and helped Vale into the last 16 with a 2-1 win.

He said he was grateful of the chance to work for Clarke again, saying: “I worked with the gaffer for 18 months at Walsall and I loved every minute, he was a big factor.

“He gave me the opportunity. I was injured for a good part of two years and he gave me the opportunity to come and express myself. Hopefully I can in the next couple of months.

“He spoke to me in the summer and said come in and rehab and we will see how it goes. I impressed enough to get a contract so hopefully now this is the start of getting more game time.”

The Northern Ireland under-21 international began his career at Derry City before joining Bristol City in 2017.

He didn’t feature for the Robins but had loans at Barrow and Rochdale before Clarke took him to Walsall, initially on loan in the summer of 2019.

That turned into a transfer 12 months later and Holden would go on to play 62 games in total for the Saddlers before his contract ended in May.

He added: “I think long term injuries are 90 per cent mental. It is not easy because you are in the gym by yourself and you are thinking I just want to be back out there, but days like this, it means the world to me.

“Hopefully I am not far off. I had a minor setback for a few weeks and now I am just trying to build back. I have got 60 minutes and hopefully I can get more in the coming weeks.

“Everybody wants to play in League One and hopefully get the team as high up the table as possible.

“If I can get minutes here and there, whenever he calls upon me then I will be there.”

Holden would also love to help Vale progress further in the Trophy after this week’s win earned them a last 16 tie away to League Two side Salford City in the week beginning December 12.

The forward, who set up Dennis Politic for the opener against Barnsley said: “I am buzzing, I am happy to get some minutes, contribute with an assist and ultimately get into the next round of the cup.

“We are only three games away from Wembley so hopefully we can kick on and win the next one.

“Everybody wants to experience Wembley. The boys were there a few months ago and they talk about it all the time.”