M ARK Grew believes Chris Birchall's far-flung adventures have transformed the midfielder's game.

Birchall is in line to make his second debut for Vale at Northampton Town today after rejoining the club on a month-to-month deal.

The 27-year-old initially linked up with the Valiants at the age of nine around the time that Grew, the club's former goalkeeper, was appointed youth coach in 1994.

Grew, main picture, was also assistant to Brian Horton when the versatile midfielder made his first-team debut in September 2001.

Birchall scored nine goals in 91 appearances for Vale before his exploits for Trinidad at the 2006 World Cup earned him a move to Championship side Coventry City.

But Birchall's football journey has come full circle after spending the past three years playing alongside the likes of David Beckham at American outfit LA Galaxy.

And Vale's assistant boss has certainly seen improvement.

"Birchy was probably more one dimensional when he was last here – he got his head down and put the ball into the box," said Grew.

"But having watched him train he looks more comfortable on the ball, he's got one or two more tricks and that comes from learning from better players.

"I think he could play in the centre of midfield.

"We've needed a right midfielder, so the manager will probably look at him playing there.

"But it's nice to know that he can play in two or three positions."

Birchall, pictured right, played in all three of Trinidad's group games at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, including their 2-0 defeat by England.

Despite being known as a winger at Vale, he played in central midfield for the Caribbean side, which included former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke and Stoke City forward Kenwyne Jones.

"I watched him play in the middle of midfield for Trinidad against England when he played in the World Cup," added Grew.

"When the team was announced I started laughing because I thought 'Birchy, a midfield player?'

"Well, he had some game that day. I think he is a better player now.

"He's also matured because he was only a kid when he was here the first time."

But Grew says Newcastle-based Birchall will not disrupt the Vale dressing room, despite living the high life with the likes of Beckham in LA.

"Chris is a superb lad and so down to earth you wouldn't think he'd been hanging around with Posh and Becks," said Grew. "He's mixed with and played with top players.

"He's played in the World Cup and, let's be honest, not many Port Vale players have done that. When he walks into the dressing room people think 'it's Chris Birchall who has played at a World Cup'.

"That's great for the lads, but I'm sure if you asked them if he has any airs and graces they'd say he hasn't. You only have to look at what he wears – his clothes certainly haven't got any better!"