Manager says young Port Vale signings are not ready for first-team yet
Port Vale manager John Askey has followed up earlier comments about untested youngsters by telling the media that two signings from Spanish football are not ready for the first-team.
Askey’s first-team squad on Saturday was noticeable for the absence of several young signings all of whom were made before he was confirmed as Vale boss. The absentees included Callum Whelan, Danny Elliott, Toby Edser and more surprisingly Kyle Howkins.
Askey explained his decision to the media explaining that the youngsters will get a chance to impress for Vale reserves saying: “They have been used to playing under-23 football and it is difficult, so this gives me another chance to see them. Hopefully they will impress now they are getting used to the football club and the players. So, again it might give me another option.”
On Howkins, who has recovered from a major injury, he added: “With Kyle, we know that he did okay when he came here last time. He needs fitness; obviously he has not played a great deal.”
New signing Elliott could soon be joined by two more signings from Spain but Askey says the new players will not be under consideration for the first-team. He commented: “I think they might be coming in. But they are young lads and they are not ready to go into the first team this season anyway. So, they will probably come in and train but they won’t be available for the first team.”