Danny Pugh says he is relishing an opportunity to return to the first-team after his completing his three-match suspension.

The midfielder could make his return on Saturday when Port Vale travel to Mansfield Town in an important fixture for both teams.

After filling in at left-back several times this campaign, the 35-year old says he is happy to just be involved with the squad regardless of the position.

He said today: “I’ve always enjoyed playing. 

“As you get older you appreciate things more, so I think it’s vital to enjoy what you’re doing and make the most of it.

“I just want to play. I like playing centre-midfield as I have got older as I feel happy in there, but I happy to play anywhere.”

After several weeks of watching from the sidelines, Danny believes says that he has been impressed by the rest of his teammates especially in the recent 1-0 victory over Lincoln City on Saturday.

“It’s been a difficult couple of weeks,” he said.

“I’ve missed out on the last three games, especially on Saturday, but the lads did really well to pick up a positive result. On a personal level, it has been frustrating but to see the win at the weekend – it was all good. 

As Vale travel to Field Mill on Saturday, Pugh hopes to make a comeback against a tough opponent.

He added: “It’s going to be a very tough game.

“They have things to play for like us, but it’s a game that we want to try and win.

“We’ve never had an easy game all season, all games are difficult – this is no exception.