Midfielder keen to get back to playing

Doug Loft is going through a frustrating time with a calf injury and can’t wait to get back on to the pitch, but has revealed he is having to be held back for his own good.

He said: “It has been a frustrating time for me lately. I pulled my calf against Exeter and I was told it was a six-week injury, but I was back in four and feeling good.

“And then against Rochdale it started to hurt and the gaffer told me to come off because he didn’t want me pulling it properly, so now it is a case of seeing how it goes.

“I started the game feeling alright, but it gradually started getting a bit sore and everybody could see I was starting to limp.

“I’m the type of player who plays on and does themselves more damage and the gaffer had to tell me I f it was hurting I had better come off. I gave it five minutes, then decided it was best to come off.

“I can’t really put a timescale on when it will be one hundred per cent right. I always think I am going to be back quicker than I am because I am so eager to get back.

“The staff have always got to put the reins on me so I wouldn’t like to say, but I’d like to say I will be back playing soon.

“The injury isn’t anything major, it’s just a tiny set back, but it is something that can’t be rushed.

There will be no Ashley Vincent against York City on Saturday, of course, after the winger picked up a fifth booking last weekend at Southend.

“He will be a massive miss.” said the Vale skipper. “Him and Jeno have been quality on the wings for us this season, nobody can fault them.

“Ash’s creativity and pace will obviously be missed. He has been one of our best players this season, but I think we have got some good players who can come in and do a good job.”