DOUG Loft believes Port Vale have the potential to help him climb back up the league ladder.

The 25-year-old midfielder dropped into the basement division when he joined the Valiants from Brighton in June 2009.

Vale have been forced to settle for 10th and 11th-placed finishes in League Two since then, while ongoing off-field problems continue to affect progress.

But Loft remains optimistic over the future and says he will be proud to make his 100th Vale appearance in Saturday's game at Shrewsbury (1pm).

"Vale are a massive club who should be in a higher division," said Loft.

"Saturday will mean a lot to me because not every player achieves 100 appearances with one club. I'd like to stay here for as long as I can.

"I know there's a bit of uncertainty at the club, but I've always believed that this is a club on the up and one which will go places in the future.

"My ambition is to play at a higher level, play as many games as possible and be a success in a winning team.

"I honestly believe Vale can be that team.

"Every player at the club wants the same thing and if we all work towards the same goal then we'll achieve it."

A string of injuries limited Loft to 45 league starts during his first two seasons in Burslem.

But this term he has arguably been Vale's most consistent performer, starting all but four of their 28 league games in a variety of positions either in midfield or, currently, at left-back.

"I'm having the best season of my career because I've been consistent," added Loft.

"I've played in pretty much in every game and I feel like I've adjusted well in whatever position I've been asked to play."

Mort Port Vale news:

Port Vale: Williamson hoping he's impressed enough to win new deal

'Sending police in was over the top at Port Vale protest'

Port Vale: Ameriturf ready to reconsider investment deal