Ryan McGivern Ready To Fill Ryan Inniss Void

Northern Ireland International Aiming For Starting Place

Port Vale defender Ryan McGivern believes he can fill the void left by Ryan Inniss if called upon by manager Rob Page.

Inniss was carried off with an ankle injury during Saturday’s win at Coventry City and has since returned to parent club Crystal Palace.

But McGivern believes the squad can cope with the loss of the 19-year-old and is hoping he has done enough to be selected for the upcoming match against Swindon Town.

“Obviously, no-one’s guaranteed their place in the team and I just hope I’ve done enough on Saturday, coming in and getting the three points then hopefully over the next couple of days in training I can do enough to keep my place in the side,” he said to the press.

McGivern also wished Inniss a speedy recovery, adding he had been an integral part of the team’s good results in recent weeks.

“It’s not nice news about Ryan,” he added. “He’s done terrific since he’s come in and he’s been a massive player for us in the last couple of games but hopefully he can be back with a quick recovery.

“I had a bad injury myself and you wouldn’t wish it on anyone. For such a young lad he’s made such a big impact.”

The 25-year-old also spoke of the importance of the two upcoming home games for the Valiants and stressed the need for consistency if the side is to continue climbing the table.

He commented: “It’s the business end of the season and if we want to be up in and around the play-offs come the end of the season then this is the time where we’ve got to get the consistency right and we can’t afford too many blips so hopefully we can keep plugging away, defending as a team and picking up points.

“I wasn’t involved in the away game at Swindon but the boys did say they’re a very good side but they know they’re coming here to Vale Park and that they’re going to be in for a tough game and hopefully the eleven that go out will give them a good run and get the three points.”