Speaking to the media after the win over Newport County, manager Darren Moore gave an update on the status of some of his Port Vale players.
Ryan Croasdale was ruled out after taking ill shortly before the match. Nathan Smith and Ronan Curtis also didn’t make the squad after playing in the Football League Trophy game against Wolves in midweek. Moore said of the pair: “I just thought this was an opportunity to put in fresh legs. Ronan is fine as is Nathan and they will get back in the group next week and train. I just thought today, after the cup match, they would benefit from this. We didn’t want tired bodies today. Credit to both of them for the jobs they did in the week and they will come back fresh.”
One player who did make the starting eleven was Benicio who put in another exciting performance. Moore said of the on loan player: “Benny (Benicio) has been struggling over the last couple of weeks with illness. We got the first opportunity to start him today and it was the right type of game for him to start.”
Ahead of the Newport game, Moore had also given updates on several other players.
Teenager defender Jack Shorrock is set to return soon and he will offer cover and competition for Kyle John on the left flank. Moore revealed: “He had a bit of a groin strain but is on his way back now and should be back in and around the first team picture.”
He also revealed that Dan Jones and Conor Grant are recovering saying: “Dan is still in with the medical team. We are waiting for them to hand him over to the sports science and then the final stage then is he comes back with us. Then Conor Grant is with the sports science and starting his fitness work. Pre season was disrupted for Conor so he is with the sports science team working to get back to fitness.”
Finally, Moore explained Diamond Edwards’ absence saying the forward is on a programme to build up his fitness. Moore commented: “Diamond is on a fitness programme to be in a position where he can compete and do well in the team. He had a cameo role at Salford but we are working with him to get him in the physical condition he needs to be so he can contribute to games. Not contribute where he is at now and potentially put himself at risk of injury.”
Summary – at a glance update on the Vale squad
- Ryan Croasdale – taken ill before Newport game
- Nathan Smith – rested
- Ronan Curtis – rested
- Jack Shorrock – back in training after groin strain
- Dan Jones – still with medical team
- Conor Grant – starting fitness work
- Diamond Edwards – on fitness course
- Sam Hart – long-term injury
- Mitch Clark – recovering from operation
