Joe Davis looks like being out for the season

Centre half Joe Davis is the latest Vale player to suffer and injury and Mark Grew says it is looking like he will now be out for the rest of the season.

It means Vale currently struggling for cover in defence, with second year youth team player Nathan Smith drafted in just in case he is needed.

Grew said: “It doesn’t look good for Joe. He said he felt his hamstring pop, and that doesn’t sound very good to be honest with you and he is in some discomfort.

“That could be for about four weeks, which will take him out of the equation for the rest of the games.

and did well, was out after the Crewe game but came back in and now this, but that’s football for you. “I feel sorry for him – he got back in the side

“It is disappointing for him because he would have liked to finish the season off in the team and show us what he is about.”

Smith made the bench for the first time at Notts County on Saturday

“If you look at the defensive side of things we are down to the bare bones. We have got Yatsey, Robbo, Duffs and Dickoand that’s it basically.

“We will have Nathan on the bench and if anything occurs I am sure the gaffer will throw him on.

“Nathan has worked very hard over the last two years and I think he is one for the future. He is a big strong centre back who loves to attack the ball.

“He has probably got to get better on the ball when he has got it, but over all we have been really pleased with him.

Jennison Myrie-Williams came in feeling unwell at the end of Saturday’s game against Notts County and he has been unable to train today (Monday), but it is hoped he will be okay in time to play a part in Friday’s home game against MK Dons.

There was some good news regarding goalkeeper Chris Neal, who has been out since picking up an ankle injury against Tranmere Rovers.

Grew said: “Chris is making good progress, so whether he will be available for the last game of the season, we will have to wait and see, but he is doing okay.