Port Vale: Horsfield to hit goal trail after injury setbacks

by Dave Knapper

STRIKER Geoff Horsfield has vowed to hit the goal trail after overcoming a string of setbacks to his Vale career.

The veteran forward is yet to find the net for the club this season after seeing his pre-season preparations marred by swine flu followed by a cracked bone in his hand and a hairline fracture to his rib.

On finally regaining his fitness he was laid low again with a groin injury, reducing him to just one start and seven substitute appearances this term.

But after being named on the bench for Tuesday night's 2-2 draw against Accrington Stanley the 35-year-old admits he is ready to kick-start his Vale career.

"I missed a lot of pre-season and at my age I need to be doing my fitness play", said the former West Brom hitman; "To play a couple of games and then get a little injury has been frustrating.

"Some supporters would have seen me when I came down with Fulham a few years ago but they haven't seen what I can do for Vale.

"I'm not fully fit or sharp as I've been on the bench because Rob Taylor and Marc Richards were playing and scoring.

"I know I can score goals if I get the service."

The player-assistant manager has also called for some of the club's other strikers to show the same patience while trying to snare a place in the starting eleven.

He said: "Even when I was in my prime, if I was out of the team I would get my head down and work hard, like the others have got to. Danny Glover, Lewis Haldane and Steve Thompson have to keep working hard to get a chance."

Horsfield has also welcomed the signing of his former Wigan team-mate Jason Jarrett.

The pair were both at the Latics in 2003 where Horsfield had a brief three month spell with the club before leaving for West Brom.

"Jason has been fantastic since coming here," said Horsfield; "He's got to get his match sharpness but he's been training really hard.

"He'll do really well here and prove he's got the ability to play at a higher level.

"He's a box-to-box player and has the ability to score goals.

"We had a good midfield at Wigan, he was alongside Jimmy Bullard and Lee McCulloch at the time. He's got a really good shot on him and he can break up play."

And Horsfield, who will be hoping to play some part in this afternoon's game against Bournemouth at Vale Park (3pm), admits he has been impressed with the attitude of the squad since they found themselves transfer-listed en-masse by boss Micky Adams last Saturday.

He said: "They've been fantastic in training.

"I've heard little whispers and I've told them the manager wants a reaction and they have to prove him wrong, and if they do that they will only get better and better.

"The gaffer is as honest as the day is long, he's a Yorkshireman from Sheffield and one of the most honest managers I have worked under.

"Some managers beat around the bush with you but he won't. If the players work hard he will give them their rewards."

Horsfield confirmed the club will decide on the future of Lewis Haldane over the weekend.

The 24-year-old's loan deal from Bristol Rovers is set to expire after Saturday's game with Bournemouth.

Meanwhile Luke Prosser could be set for a place in the squad on Saturday.

The 21-year-old was recalled from his loan spell at Salisbury on Thursday evening after making nine appearances for the Blue Square Premier Division side.

Prosser has yet to make an appearance for Vale this season.

THE club are offering free entry to supporters aged under 16 for Tuesday's St Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie against Stockport County at Vale Park (7.45pm).

Ticket prices have been reduced for adults (£10), over-60s (£5), 16 to 21-year olds £5.

Proof of age will be required for younger supporters.

Supporters are reminded that tickets for away games at Crewe Alex (October 17) and Shrewsbury Town (October 10) are on sale.

Both games are all-ticket.