Keeper Says Competition Is High Between The Sticks

insists he can’t rest on his laurels because competition between Port Vale’s goalkeepers is so high. Chris Neal

.Sam JohnsonThe 29-year-old has made 36 appearances so far this season having started the campaign behind fellow shot-stopper

’s elite with a number of impressive performances.Sky Bet League OneSince replacing his young teammate in September, Neal has gone onto cement his place among

Speaking to the congregated press on Monday afternoon, he emphasised that he will do all he can to keep old of Vale’s number one jersey.

“I think it showed at the beginning of the season that there is definitely enough of a challenge there. I’m not resting on my laurels that I’m going to play every week at all,” Neal explained.

“He [Johnson] has proven that he can play at this level, he’s only a young ‘keeper but there’s more to come from Sam.

“Obviously I want to keep my place here but he has got a long career ahead of him as well.”

’s side losing their last three matches.Rob PageAfter a run of four wins from six games, Vale’s form has dipped slightly with

However, Neal claims the slump hasn’t affected morale in the dressing room and says confidence is as high as it has been this season.

“I’ll be honest, nothing has changed,” he said. “As footballers we don’t want to lose on a Saturday but we have Saturday night and Sunday to have a think about the game and stuff.

“We come in Monday, the manager makes it clear we don’t want to look back at previous results, there’s no point you can’t do anything about them.

“What we need to do is have a full week of training now and make preparations for Leyton Orient so the atmosphere and morale in the changing room is exactly the same as it was five or six games ago.

“It’s not going to change and it won’t do while the manager is in charge.”