Port Vale defender Lewis Bergin has signed for Kidsgrove Athletic on a month-long loan.

The youngster, who penned his first senior professional contract at Vale Park during the summer, will remain at the local non-league side until 26th September.

The centre back follows in the footsteps of fellow Academy graduate Nathan Smith who spent time at Northern Premier League Division One South side Stafford Rangers last season.

Bergin, pictured above with Grove boss Peter Ward, could be in line to make his debut against Stafford Rangers tomorrow night.

Speaking to port-vale.co.uk, he said: “Young players need minutes and hopefully that’s what I’m going to get over the next month.

“I think I can mix it with the men but you can always improve, get bigger, get better. I think it’s what everyone wants, competitive football at a good level.

“It’s like a stepping stone. You build yourself up and hopefully one day you can play for the first team.”