Anthony de Freitas insists that the reserve fixture against Walsall on Tuesday was very important for the players as Vale gear up to take on Coventry City at the weekend.
Michael Brown's men will travel to the Ricoh Arena for the Sky Bet League Two clash, and de Freitas is raring to go.
Speaking about the workout versus Walsall, he said: "It was important for me and a lot of the players who didn't feature at the weekend against Notts County to play and keep the fitness up.
"The game was good, we played some decent football and it was brilliant to win as well."
The midfielder started during the Valiants' opening day victory over Crawley Town and he will be hopeful of replicating that at the weekend.
With Vale still without a win since that 3-1 triumph, he and his teammates will be looking to earn another three points against the Sky Blues, a side who haven't won in their last three outings.
Previewing the clash, de Freitas said: "Firstly, it's important for us to go out and win the game.
"We have plenty of quality in the squad and some very talented players. It has been a tough start for us, but I trust my teammates and I think we will do a good job on Saturday."