Darren Moore confirms that Port Vale full-back will miss the start of the season

Port Vale manager Darren Moore has confirmed that an injury will rule right-back Mitch Clark out of the start of the season.

Mitch will miss the start of the season. Mitch has sustained an injury which is going to keep him out so he’s on the recovery table…

Speaking after the friendly game against Bolton Wanderers, Moore told the media: “Mitch will miss the start of the season. Mitch has sustained an injury which is going to keep him out so he’s on the recovery table.”

It’s another blow for Clark who was signed last summer but saw last season decimated by injury. As a result, Clark featured just fifteen times during the last campaign. Right-back appears to be a possible problem area for the club who have strengthened elsewhere. The Vale have used Clark, youngster Ben Lomax and Tom Sang in friendly games. Clark would have been the favourite to start with Lomax inexperienced and Sang earning criticism last season for his defensive displays. If Clark is not fit to start then Sang is probably favourite to play after he featured in the friendly defeat to Wanderers.

However, Moore could also look to strengthen in that position before the end of the transfer window. Former Everton defender Kyle John, who can play in either of the full-back positions, has been on trial with the club. The 23 year-old would offer cover for both sides – a useful attribute as left wingback Conor Grant is, like Clark, also ruled out of action at the moment. Grant’s absence leaves Sam Hart as the only senior recognised left-back alongside teenager Jack Shorrock.