Port Vale manager gives fitness update on missing quartet of players

Port Vale manager Andy Crosby has been explaining why Gavin Massey, Mal Benning, Dan Jones and Ellis Harrison all missed Saturday’s double-header friendly games.

The Vale won the Kidsgrove fixture 2-0 and drew 0-0 with Newcastle Town.

Speaking after the fixture, Crosby explained that defender Dan Jones missed the game because of a family health issue saying that: “Dan Jones’ little boy has a health issue so he’s been in and out of hospital.”

The other three players – Gavin Massey, Mal Benning (who appears to be staying with the club despite no official announcement) and Ellis Harrison all missed out due to hamstring issues.

Crosby said: “Gavin (Massey) has a slight hamstring (injury) he’s been back on the (training) grass so he will join back in on the first day in Spain. Mal Benning will do the same. He had a slight thigh (injury). Sometimes we like to take a cautious route but with both of them they will join back with the group on Monday. Ellis, again another with a tight hamstring… it’s no time to take risks.”

Two games in a day meant that Vale’s first-team squad was supplemented by a number of youth team players and Crosby praised their contribution saying: “I’m sure the experience they’ve had (in the friendly games) it’s all part of their development. I hope they are enjoying it and growing.”

The Valiants will travel to Spain on Monday for a training camp and a friendly game against Grimsby Town with Crosby adding: “We go away on Monday in a decent place.”