​MICKY Adams has warned his top performers not to take their first-team places for granted after wielding the axe in midweek.

Adams made five changes to his line-up for Tuesday’s 2-1 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy victory over League One Rochdale, with loanee Abdulai Bel-Baggie and centre-back Ritchie Sutton making their full debuts.

Vale got back to winning ways on Tuesday night by securing a 2-1 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy victory over League One side Rochdale.

The Vale boss made five changes to the team that suffered a 2-1 home defeat by League Two leaders Torquay three days earlier, which followed last week’s 6-0 Carling Cup hammering at Fulham.

As Vale prepare to resume league hostilities at Bradford City today (3pm), Adams said: “I’ll pick a team to go and beat Bradford.

“The lads who came in on Tuesday didn’t disgrace themselves,” said Adams.

“They worked hard, as I expected them to, plus it has given the regulars a little kick up the backside by saying, ‘listen, you’re not automatic choices’.

“When the team is playing well you don’t make too many changes. It’s only when the team doesn’t operate correctly that you have to start thinking about different personnel.

“I’m not one for wholesale changes, but if I feel people need a rest, particularly in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, then that’s what we’ll do.”

Centre-back John McCombe and keeper Stuart Tomlinson, who were among the players rested in midweek, are expected to return to the line-up for today’s trip to Bradford (3pm).

Meanwhile, Adams will decide next week whether to extend the loan of Bell-Baggie, who has made one start and three substitute appearances.

The 18-year-old Reading winger’s initial one-month deal expires next Saturday.

Assistant manager Geoff Horsfield said: “Abdulai’s a good player, although he hasn’t forced his way into the team, apart from on Tuesday, because the lads have been playing well and picking up results.”

“But his attitude’s second-to-none, plus he’s quick, energetic and gets teams up the pitch quickly.

“I think he’ll do well in the game.”

THE draw for the second round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy was due to take place on Sky Sports’s Soccer AM programme this morning.