by Steve Shaw

DEAN Glover admits he will face a tricky decision when he comes to pick his centre-halves for tomorrow's League Two clash with Brentford.

The Vale boss must decide whether to recall Luke Prosser, ready to return after a one-match ban, or keep faith with John McCombe to partner Lee Collins at the heart of his defence.

Prosser has been in decent form for Vale in recent months, forming an encouraging partnership with Collins.

However, McCombe staked his claim with a strong performance in Vale's 4-3 FA Cup success at Huddersfield last weekend in Prosser's absence.

"It's a good problem. I felt sorry for John when I left him out after the Chester game because on that day everybody did exceptionally well," said Glover, referring to when McCombe filled in for the suspended Collins as Vale won 2-1 at the Deva Stadium on October 19.

"I had to make that horrible decision in terms of the right personnel for the next game, and I've got that problem again this weekend.

"It's not a nice one, but we have to make decisions and it's one I'll lose a bit of sleep over."

Meanwhile, Glover faces a race against time to bolster his squad for the busy Christmas period. The loan market closes on Thursday, November 27, and only opens again at the same time as the transfer window on January 1.

Vale recently missed out on securing a loan deal for an unnamed young Blackburn midfielder.

Glover says he'll also be keeping an eye on former Vale target Gareth Owen when the Stockport defender's one-month loan stint with League One side Yeovil expires tomorrow.

But he realises the clock is ticking towards the loan cut-off point.

Glover said: "With the loan window closing at the end of November, I have to address what we'll need to cover ourselves for the Christmas period.

"Because if we get injuries in December I don't think we can bring players in."

Deals for existing loan players can be extended during this period, with the only other exception being for clubs to bring in emergency loan goalkeepers.