PORT Vale striker Louis Dodds is gearing up for the biggest season in his career ... after getting the all-clear from swine flu.

The striker has just returned from holiday in the Mexican resort of Cancun, but is happy to report he hasn't picked up the virus that has caused a global health scare.

Holidaymakers and business travellers had been advised against all non-essential travel to Mexico in April after it emerged as the centre of the swine-flu outbreak.

But the Foreign Office changed its advice at the end of May after a decline in cases.

Dodds's test results leave him free to impress new manager Micky Adams, and to try to secure a long-term future at Vale beyond the end of his contract next summer.

Dodds said: "I am fit and raring to go. We booked the holiday in January and didn't think anything about it then.

"We were going to change our plans, but were told to hold on. We were on only the third flight over from England after the advice was changed so things were quiet for the first five days. But we didn't see any problems at all there.

"We were tested when we got there and again when we got back, and I am absolutely fine. I'm just looking forward to the start of the season."

The 22-year-old was with Adams at Leicester City, but doesn't expect any favours when the manager begins work on July 1.

He added: "I was a youth-team player at Leicester when Micky Adams was manager so, although I trained with him a few times, I didn't actually play for him.

"It was more a case of putting the bibs and cones out for him and making him the odd cup of coffee.

"I guess if I'm not playing next season I might have to try making him a coffee again."

Dodds says he has to build on last season, when he was Vale's top scorer with 10 goals, if he is to fit in Adams's plans.

He explained: "This is definitely my biggest season yet. I am looking to get a new contract here and I am playing under a new manager so want to impress.

"He's a no-messing type of guy. If you are not pulling your weight he will let you know and you will feel the consequences."

Dodds was one of the few players to emerge with credit from last season as the Valiants struggled to 18th in League Two.

His 48 appearances in all competitions were more than any player in the squad.

He added: "It was disappointing and I think we got ahead of ourselves a bit after winning on the opening day at Luton Town.

"But I think Micky Adams is a fantastic appointment for the club. Hopefully he can get us playing."