Port Vale midfielder Michael O’Connor will start for the reserves this evening against local rivals Stoke City.

The 28-year-old picked up a knee injury in pre-season against Bolton Wanderers but is now ready to return to action.

He will start alongside Ryan Lloyd in the centre of midfield with Chris Birchall and Sam Kelly in the wide positions. The full line-up is below.

1    Ryan Boot

2    James Gibbons

3    Aziz Deen-Conteh

4    Ryan Lloyd

5    Billy Reeves

6    Mackenzie Faulkner

7    Chris Birchall

8    Michael O’Connor

9    JJ Hooper

10  Achille Campion

11  Sam Kelly

12  Calum Ferrie

14  Jonathon Kapend

15  Ben Fraser

16  Dan Turner

18  Brad Ede

You can watch tonight’s match at Vale Park, kick-off 7pm, with tickets priced at £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.