RITCHIE Sutton says he is not willing to be a bit-part player at Vale after making his bow on the professional stage, writes Steve Shaw.

The Burslem-born centre-back made his debut for the club in Tuesday's 2-1 Johnstone's Paint Trophy victory over League One side Rochdale.

Sutton, who joined from Nantwich on a six-month deal in the summer, is determined to build on his encouraging display by securing a regular place in Micky Adams' team.

"I want to be a regular starter in the first team," said Sutton.

"When the gaffer signed me he said he doesn't sign players who want to sit on the bench, he wants them to push towards getting into the first team.

"I feel a lot better after playing my first competitive game and doing well against a League One side.

"There is tough competition for places, but I feel I'm good enough to play and I'll be trying my best."

But the 24-year-old Vale fan has endured a frustrating wait to make his dream debut for Adams's men as he completed a six-match suspension.

The lengthy ban was carried over from the end of last season after Sutton was sent off for the fourth time during Nantwich's UniBond Premier League campaign.

"It was frustrating to miss out at the start of the season," added Sutton, who started his career at Crewe.

"But I've had to deal with it and I've learned a big lesson.

"The gaffer has been a massive reason why my approach is different now.

"He's a no-nonsense manager who won't allow me to get away with some of the things I did in non-league."

Bratt defends record: Page 41