Chris Birchall on trial at Northampton Town

Former Port Vale manager Rob Page has taken former Vale winger Chris Birchall on trial at Northampton Town.

The winger is the Vale’s most capped player but left the club in the summer after two spells in Burslem.

Birchall was one of a number of players to turn down reduced contracts from the Valiants while Page moved to the Northampton managerial position.

Page’s side slumped to a disappointing 4-2 friendly defeat to Brackley Town on Saturday with Birchall playing the second-half.