Port Vale are reportedly keeping their fingers crossed that in-form Cristian Montano is not ruled out for the remainder of the season.

The converted winger has been a revelation since being switched to left-back by manager Neil Aspin.

However, he was replaced after an hour of Saturday’s defeat to Crawley Town with a hamstring problem and the Staffordshire Sentinel reports that the club are hoping he will not be ruled out for the remainder of the season.

If Montano is ruled out it could leave Vale with a headache. Joe Davis covered on Saturday but he is not a natural left-back.

Loanee Zac Jules has not been in contention, Danny Pugh is suspended while rookie Graham Kelly is on loan at Southport.