MICKY Adams has challenged his players to prove they are ready for the new season by turning on the style when they entertain Walsall tomorrow (3pm).

Vale play their penultimate pre-season friendly just one week before they open their League Two campaign with a tough trip to Bury.

Adams's men are coming to the end of another busy week, which started with a 3-2 win at Irish side Ballinasloe Town last Saturday.

On Tuesday, they were back at Vale Park but suffered a 1-0 defeat to Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen.

However, just 24 hours later they put seven goals past non-leaguers Stone Dominoes.

Now the Vale boss wants more big efforts from his players against League One Walsall and at Stafford Rangers on Tuesday (7.30pm).

Adams said: "Tomorrow is about a combination of boosting fitness and for the players to show me they are ready to play against Bury.

"I think our back four can feel disappointed they didn't keep a clean sheet against Aberdeen because they deserved it after our poor defensive showing at Ballinasloe.

"We defended better on Tuesday night and showed a lot more desire. Hopefully, we'll show the same attributes tomorrow."

Defender Gareth Owen (hamstring) and midfielder Tommy Fraser (shin) could return from knocks, while midfield trialists Angelo and Joel Ndombasi will also be hoping to further press their claims after impressing at Dominoes.

Walsall's new goalkeeping duo Jonny Brain and Dave Bevan are no strangers to Vale Park.

Brain, aged 27, made 69 appearances for Vale between 2003 and 2006, while Bevan was on trial with the club in April.

Brain arrived at the Banks's Stadium from Macclesfield Town, while 21-year-old Bevan joined from Premier League Aston Villa.

Walsall's other summer recruits – centre-half Oliver Lancashire, full-back Aaron Lescott and midfielder Paul Marshall – could feature, while trial left-back Chris Stokes could also get a run.

Tickets for the match cost £10 (£5 concessions), while under-nines are admitted free.

VALE have sold 450 tickets from an advanced allocation of 1,200 for their League Two opener at Bury next Saturday (3pm).

Tickets, which cost £15 (£12 and £10 concessions), will be on sale at Vale Park until 2pm on August 6, but will still be available at Gigg Lane on the day of the game.

TICKETS are also available for Vale's Carling Cup first-round tie at QPR on August 10 (7.45pm).

They cost £12 (£7 concessions), while under-eights are admitted free if accompanied by an adult who has bought a ticket in advance.

Tickets will also be available on the gate at Loftus Road. Official coach travel to west London costs £16 (£14.50 concessions).

For more details, call Joan Stanley on 01782 655838