Antiguan international Rhys Browne has impressed the Valiant faithful in his last two outings after a patient spell on the sidelines.
Browne’s defensive work was highlighted in the 3-2 away victory at Forest Green and he was key to Vale’s opening goal in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Colchester, pressing up high and retrieving possession before playing in Conlon who finished superbly.
“It was very pleasing. To get the three points mainly, but individually it felt good to get back out there and play 90 minutes again.”
The Valiants moved up to sixth following our third win in the space of a week and Browne believes both consistency and competition for places will help Vale maintain that position.
“We’ve set out own bar right now, so it’s up to us to keep that level and keep each other grounded and not get too carried away with the position we’re in right now.
“It’s good [competition] it keeps everybody on their toes. It’s healthy competition. The manager is in a great position where he can put anybody in and we’re all going to fight for each other.
The Romford-born winger has been required to exercise patience throughout the season, with Amoo & Worrall enjoying spells in the side.
“[I’ve had to be] Very patient. If you put the team first it makes it a lot easier for yourself. If you think about yourself then obviously you’re going to get very frustrated.”
“The sessions that we put on are very intense. It shows on a Saturday and Tuesday night when we’re running around like headless chickens.”
Rhys Browne enjoyed a loan spell at Macclesfield under John Askey and praised the influence Port Vale’s gaffer has had on his career:
“Even from before Port Vale when we were at Macclesfield we went to Wembley. He’s had a massive effect on my career. He’s dealt with me as a person, more than just a football player that’s what I respected about him the most.
“He know how I am as a person and what sort of things make me tick and can get me going.
“I’ll be working hard everyday. Whatever team the gaffer puts out we’ll always work hard. Our end goal is to get into the playoffs, but we want to get automatic promotion.”
When asked what side of his game has improved the most under manager Askey, Browne highlighted his pressing and defensive work.
“My pressing. It’s definitely come on a lot. He already knew what I can do when I’ve got the ball, so it was off the ball I needed to work on the most. He’s really forced that – If I’m not going to do that I’m not going to play.
“It [defending] has come on a lot. I actually enjoy it now! If I can add that part to my game you tick a lot more boxes for every manager.”
A number of key first-team players will also be available for selection on Saturday, with Tom Pope and James Gibbons amongst those in contention for a return.
“Everybody seems to be coming back at one time, just when we all need everybody as well. This is the business end of the season.”