MANAGER Micky Adams insists Gary Roberts will start his Vale career with a clean slate after agreeing to join the club on a six-month contract, writes Steve Shaw.

The 23-year-old midfielder is likely to put pen to paper in the coming days after off-field disciplinary issues led to him being axed by Crewe, Yeovil and Rotherham.

Roberts, pictured, also checked into the Sporting Chance clinic last year after admitting to gambling and alcohol addictions.

But Adams said: "I won't keep raking up his past up and I don't think anybody else should.

"Gary knows the script and if he steps out of line he'll be dealt with severely.

"We hope this is a positive move for both parties.

"People get labelled in certain ways but sometimes you've got to forget about that and take the boy as you see him."

Roberts made his Vale Park debut in last night's 1-0 friendly defeat by Aberdeen.

"People saw what Gary can do and I think his range of passing was different class," added Adams.

"He knows when to feed the ball into the front men and he seems to be able to deliver a good set-piece."

Meanwhile, Lewis Haldane is still in the dark over when he will be able resume training as he continues to battle a swollen ankle caused by a suspected insect bite.

The 25-year-old winger suffered the injury three weeks ago and was discharged from Stafford Hospital on July 19.

Despite recovering from blood poisoning Haldane now faces further hospital tests.

"My ankle's still sore and swollen." said Haldane.

"I lost two-and-half stones, but I've put a stone back on.

"I'm seeing a specialist later in the week to see if more liquid has gone on the ankle.

"But hopefully it will settle down in the next couple of weeks and I'll be able to start training again because I miss playing so much."

Centre-half Ritchie Sutton will be assessed today after suffering an Achilles injury in last night's clash.

Skipper Tommy Fraser is expected to make a quick recovery after sustaining a shin injury.

Match report: Page 49