Callum Howe is looking forward to the prospect of playing for Port Vale after signing for the club on Deadline Day, and the defender is 'ready to go' when called upon.

Despite missing out on a place in the starting eleven versus Morecambe last weekend, the former Lincoln City man is determined to work hard and he believes he is ready to feature in Sky Bet League Two.

Having spent time on loan at Eastleigh for the first half of the current campaign, he captained the National Side and remained a regular in the back line. Now a Vale player, he can't wait to get going.

"My agent knows the gaffer and when I first heard about the opportunity I just wanted to come straight away because I know it's a massive club and I've not actually played league football before," he said.

"I'm ready for it and I have worked hard in the lower leagues. I have played a lot of games in the Conference now and I was looking for a chance in the league this year, so hopefully it can come some time this season.

"I'm hoping the step up is something I can adjust to, but I have watched a lot of games when I have been on the bench at Lincoln and I feel like I'm ready for it - fingers crossed I get my chance."

On how the move to Vale Park came about, the 23-year old said: "The gaffer at Lincoln wanted me to stay, but with not playing many games I went on loan for the first part of the season, playing 26 games at Eastleigh.

"That was a good experience and then I realised that I just needed to be playing more football. I spoke to the manager at Lincoln who said I wasn't going to get the opportunities that I will hopefully get here.

"We had a conversation and he agreed to let me come to Vale."

Callum is just one of three central defenders who were drafted in by Neil Aspin in the final 48 hours of the January transfer window, and with the likes of Nathan Smith already at the club, he acknowledges that there will be competiton for places.

He was an unused substitute last time out, but he is determined to work hard in training to force himself into contention. The challenge is something he is looking forward to and he knows the fight for places can only be healthy for the club.

He said: "I'm a player who will always be honest and give 100 per cent, I'm a good talker on the pitch and I am willing to work hard.

"The gaffer has told me that if I work hard enough I will get my chance and that is fair enough. On Saturday, the lads did well so I'm pleased for them, but there is a real competition for places now.

"We are all going to be pushing each other and that can only be good for everyone. I can only focus on what I'm doing, working well in training and pushing for a spot.

"I would love to get a chance to play, and if I do, it will be down to me to keep the shirt. The training sessions have been good and I have been impressed - It is a good group of lads."