Adams: defence “down to the bare bones”
Micky Adams may decide to play Kingsley James in an unfamiliar defensive role after Vale were reduced to “the bare bones” through injury. Adams told the press that he faces the possibility of playing Forest Green Rovers without a recognised centre-half.
We’re hoping they come through because we are up against it defensively. We’re down to the bare bones.
Experienced duo Gareth Owen (dead leg) and John McCombe (suspension) are definitely out and back-ups Clayton McDonald (shin) and Joe Davis (dead leg) are both doubtful. Richard Duffy, who could fill in as a centre-half is also ruled out with a twisted ankle.
The defensive crisis could see midfielder Kingsley James retained in a central defensive role after he impressed when coming on as a sub against Northampton.
Adams told the Sentinel: “We’ll assess Joe and Clayton on a day-to-day basis. We’re hoping they come through because we are up against it defensively. We’re down to the bare bones.
“If we have to use him there again, then we’ll do so.”
Adams ruled out a move into the emergency loan market as he believes clubs will not want players cup tied even if the Football League allow Vale to take on additional players.