MICKY Adams insists Gary Roberts faces a massive challenge to break into the Port Vale first team after passing his Irish test with flying colours, writes Steve Shaw.

The Valiants boss will offer Roberts a short-term contract after the 23-year-old trialist continued to impress during last week's pre-season trip to Ireland.

Roberts, who has suffered off-field disciplinary problems in the past, also earned praise for his conduct off the pitch in Ireland.

"We'll offer Gary a short-term deal," said Adams. "He has fitted into the group well, which is always important, and his behaviour has been exemplary.

"He's a good character, he's got a great range of passing and I think he'll do well for us.

"He's not guaranteed a place in the team, but in terms of the squad, he's different to what we've got because he's not a six-foot-tall midfield player.

"He can see a pass, which is not to say our other central midfielders can't.

"His task now is to get into the team, which will be a massive challenge for him because we've got some good players. I think we're fine in midfield, especially as some of our midfielders can play in different positions."

Adams now boasts an array of central options with his skipper Tommy Fraser, Doug Loft, Anthony Griffith and Sam Morsy all hunting a first-team place.

Vale arrived back from Ballygar yesterday after wins at Athlone Town (2-0) and Mervue United (1-0) last week, before beating Ballinasloe Town (3-2) on Saturday.

Vale's preparations for the new season, which begins a week on Saturday, will shift up another gear tomorrow night when they host Scottish Premier Division side Aberdeen (7.30pm).

This week they will also make the short journey to non-league side Stone Dominoes on Wednesday (7.30pm), before facing League One outfit Walsall at Vale Park on Saturday (3pm).

Match report: Page 47