Port Vale: Prosser looks for consistent run

by Steve Shaw

DEFENDER Luke Prosser believes a run of games in Micky Adams's first team is the best remedy for dusting off the cobwebs.

The 21-year-old made only his third start of the season in Saturday's 1-0 FA Cup defeat by Huddersfield, replacing Gareth Owen, who is sidelined with a fractured cheekbone.

The centre-half is likely to get another chance to shine on the first-team stage tonight when Vale travel at league rivals Lincoln City (7.45pm).

After being transfer-listed at the start of the season, he boosted his cause during a 10-game loan spell at Blue Square Premier side Salisbury City.

"When I went to Salisbury I benefited from playing successive games because it takes you two or three games to really find your form," said Prosser.

"You need that run of games to get that consistency, so fingers crossed I'll get that.

"Every time I get a chance I have to prove to the manager I'm good enough to be here and, if called upon, that I'm ready."

Prosser's previous comeback ended abruptly in the 2-1 home defeat by Rotherham, on November 14, when he was sent off just minutes after scoring.

He will face a Lincoln side hovering just above League Two's relegation zone, in 21st place, under managerial newcomer Chris Sutton.

Since the former Blackburn striker took the reins at Sincil Bank, in late September, the Imps have endured mixed results, recording four wins, three defeats and three draws.

However, they go into the match on the back of Saturday's 3-1 FA Cup second-round success at Northwich Victoria, which earned them a trip to Bolton Wanderers in the next round.

Sutton has recruited a string of loan players in his bid to lift his side's fortunes. They include Aston Villa midfielder Chris Herd, who scored two goals in 11 starts for the Valiants during their 2007/2008 League One relegation season.

Striker Rene Howe has returned to Peterborough, but fellow loan striker Delroy Facey is in line to make his debut after arriving from League Two rivals Notts County.

But Sutton has been hit by injuries, with midfielder Anthony Pulis (knee), the son of Stoke boss Tony, and fellow midfielder Sergio Torres (ankle) sidelined.

Meanwhile, ex-Potter Paul Connor (knee) and fellow striker Lenell John-Lewis (calf) are also unlikely to feature.

Vale travel to Sincil Bank without the injured Owen and suspended central midfielder Tommy Fraser.

Vale lie seven places and four points clear of the Imps ahead of tonight's clash.

Striker Geoff Horsfield, who returned to first-team action on Saturday after recovering from a groin injury, made 17 appearances – including 14 starts – for Lincoln last season.

The 36-year-old said: "It's not going to be an easy game up there. Look at the table – if they win two, and we lose two, they are up there with us.

"They have signed a few players before last week's loan deadline including Herd and Facey.

"Chris will want to stamp his managerial qualities on the game and push on."

FANS have until 2pm to buy tickets for tonight's clash from the club's ticket office, although tickets will still be available on the gate at Sincil Bank.