Port Vale captain Carl Dickinson believes the whole squad has the correct attitude to succeed and perform well when called upon.
into using the large majority of his players.Rob Page, have forced Chris Neal and Michael O’Connor, as well as the long-term absences of Louis Dodds and Remie Streete, Ryan InnissRecent injuries to
The likes of Ryan McGivern, Ajay Leitch-Smith, Jak Alnwick and Sam Foley have stepped in seamlessly to fill their teammates’ boots.
Speaking to the press, Dickinson said the character and team spirit inside the dressing room is driving everyone forward.
“I think we’ve got character throughout the whole squad,” he commented.
“The team spirit is really good and the amount of games we have, people are going to pick up knocks, there’s going to start being bookings.
“So I think the type of characters we have got, everyone’s ready no matter who comes in that they’ll be ready to put on a performance for the team.”
When asked specifically about the return of Northern Ireland international McGivern to the first team fold, the skipper had nothing but praise for the centre back.
“He’s done well and it can’t have been nice for him not being involved and stuff like that,” he said.
“I’ve been there myself and it’s not a nice place but he’s just been like usual. He’s never come in and moaned. He’s a great lad to have around the dressing room.
“I think you need those types of characters in your team because he sets an example for other lads who might not be involved as well.
“He keeps his head down, trains as hard as anyone else and I think he’s come in and done well.”
The Valiants began the season by nearly breaking a club record for clean sheets but, having lost their last two games, Dickinson insists they need to improve.
“To start off with, it was great and then I think the most disappointing thing would be the set plays,” he said.
“It’s not as if teams have cut through us and passed the ball. I think we’ve been quite tight as a unit in that way.
“But obviously the set plays are a concern but I thought we dealt with it quite well on Saturday and got sucker punched with a nothing goal really.
“I think over the last few weeks it’s not been good enough. I think it’s something we can put right quite quickly.”