Port Vale manager Darren Moore has confirmed that defender Sam Hart is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The news is a big blow to the Valiants with the full-back/wingback positions being the areas of the squad with the least cover.
Kyle John is favourite to take over from Hart while Vale also have youngster Jack Shorrock, who is highly promising. However, both of those choices are inexperienced having just played a handful of League games apiece. James Plant, another relatively inexperienced player, also played as left-back in the Football League Trophy game and impressed over the ninety minutes.
In terms of more experienced options – Conor Grant, who played left wingback last season is also still part of the squad but has not featured this season. Connor Hall and the so far unused Dan Jones may also be options but are probably considered to be more natural left-sided centre-halves.
Speaking after Vale’s Football League Trophy game with Wolves U21 Moore confirmed the news saying: “Sam Hart is going to be out for a little bit of time. I will probably be able to give you more of an update on Thursday but we think he is going to be out for some considerable time.”
Hart, one of numerous summer signings for the club has generally impressed so far this season and his absence will be a major blow for the team.
The left side of the defence continues to be something of a jinxed position for the Valiants. In recent seasons Mal Benning, Chris Hussey, Dan Jones, Thierry Small, Conor Grant, Jack Shorrock, James Plant, Kyle John and Hart have played there with varying degrees of success.
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