Port Vale midfielder welcomes competition but says he wants to keep the shirt…
Experienced Port Vale midfielder Luke Joyce says competition for places in midfield is hotting up but he’s determined to keep his place in the squad.
Joyce started the season in the first eleven but lost his place to Tom Conlon before Manny Oyeleke’s injury saw Joyce return.
I’m not here for plaudits, I just want to play my part in the team and keep my shirt…
Joyce told the media: “My goal scoring record isn’t exactly prolific, but I’m more of a defensive midfielder who has the job of closing people down to get on the ball and make us play. Sometimes it does go unnoticed, but I’m not here for plaudits, I just want to play my part in the team and keep my shirt.
“There’s lots of competition in midfield with myself, Tom Conlon, Lewis Hardcastle and Manny Oyeleke. You’ve then got Antony Kay, Michael Tonge and Danny Pugh, so there’s a lot of players in there.
“Depending on which way the gaffer wants to go, we play two in there sometimes, so there’s only a couple of places up for grabs between several lads. Competition is rife, but it’s healthy and it’s up to the lads starting at the moment to keep their spot.
“Everybody is pleased with the clean sheets and the fact that we’ve been picking up wins, but whatever the game is, we need to find a way to get three points. If we go a goal down early doors for example, we have to make sure we bounce back and try to win the game.”
Watch the full interview with Luke Joyce below: