Lines eager to keep starting-spot
Port Vale midfielder Chris Lines is determined to keep his starting spot after being recalled to the starting 11 in Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Coventry City.
The summer signing had been left on the bench for the previous SkyBet League 1 ties against Carlisle United and Leyton Orient but was back in the heart of the midfield on Saturday.
Lines admits that spending time on the substitutes bench allowed him to understand why he wasn’t starting games.
He said: “The couple of games that I did miss I saw what the lads were doing that maybe I wasn’t doing before which I took on board.
“I am quite an easy learner, I pick things up quite easily and I knew what I had to do to get myself back in the team.”
Lines revealed that the reserve match at Oldham allowed him to prove he was worthy of a place in the heart of the Vale midfield.
“I played in the reserve game and did well and showed the gaffer that I am ready to come back in.
“Now it is all about keeping my spot, now I know what is required, I was happy with what I did at the weekend,” Lines explained.
Despite Coventry City lingering in the lower depths of SkyBet League 1, albeit due to a 10-point deduction Lines was impressed with the league’s second top scorers.
“It was a good result for the boys and I said afterwards that Coventry are probably one of the best sides we’ve played so far.”
Lines believes the result showed Vale’s true togetherness and spirit.
“I think they (Coventry) are going to be a good team this year so for us to get a result after going behind was good to see and shows the team spirit that we’ve got and shows a togetherness and also the quality.”
The former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder is hopeful Vale can record back-to-back wins and begin to gather some consistency in their game as they prepare for Tranmere Rovers this Saturday.
“Anyone can beat anyone on their day in this league, there’s a lot of good players in this league this season.
“Consistency is important because if you can pick up wins, back-to-back wins and then pick up points away from home as well you soon find yourself up the table and in the mix,” he added.