Midfielder hoping to be selected from the start against Plymouth

Chris Shuker enjoyed a rare start in the Vale team when he was named in the staring eleven at Preston on New Year’s Day and says he wants more of the same.

He said: “I have had a couple of cameos recently and it was nice to get a start, my first one of the season and it was a decent ground to come in and do it and have a go.

“I thought in the first half we coped with them really well and the gaffer gave me a job, which isn’t really my job, but I thought I did okay really.

“We stemmed them and I thought we had the better chances in the first half but conceded a stupid goal just two minutes before half time, that’s the worst time to concede - in the second half we came out terrible, but after three-nil I thought he lads did really well.

“Preston are a big club and when you look where we have come from last season , to come here and at three-nil down and to have a go and make it three-two and still have chances to get the draw is testament to the lads.”

Shuker has not appeared anywhere near as often as he would have liked this season but says he will play in any role the manager wants him to, as long as he is in the side.

He said: “If I am in the team it doesn’t matter where I am playing and I will go and do a job. I have never really played in that holding role before.

“I played a few games there last season in League Two, but I will do a job  wherever I am asked and will pass the ball or keep the ball.

“A lot of teams at this level are too direct and I am not that type of player, I have l always tried to play it and I think that’s what I tried to do today, when I got the chance I got it down.

“I have wanted to be in the side since August and I have had to wait until January, but I have worked hard in training and I feel I have taken my chance when I have come on in the last couple of games.

“Fair play to the gaffer, we have obviously got injuries and suspensions, but he hasn’t been afraid to give me a go.”