Manager Speaks To Valiant Player Ahead Of Crawley Test

• Vale boss looking forward to trip to Broadfield Stadium
• Page happy to have Michael O'Connor available for selection following ban
• Expects Crawley to be extremely tough opponents.

Port Vale manager Rob Page believes his players need to be ready for a battle this weekend when they face Crawley Town.

The Valiants make the long trip down to Broadfield Stadium on Saturday, kick-off 3pm, hoping to put the disappointment of their loss to Coventry City behind them.

Just one point separates Page’s side and the Red Devils in the Sky Bet League One table heading into the busy festive period.

Speaking exclusively to Valiant Player in the lead-up to the match, the 40-year-old admitted Vale can expect a tough test against John Gregory’s men.

“It’s not going to be an easy game; they’re in and amongst us which makes it a big game from our point of view,” he said.

“After the disappointment of last week, we feel like we’ve got to go now and get something out of the game

"But we know to do that we’ve got to be at our very best because they’ve not won too many games but they’ve held their own against Bristol City and got beat, before that I think they’ve drawn five, there were a few nil-nils, a couple of one-alls and a couple of two-alls.

“So it’s not as if they’re getting beat convincingly by teams so, like I say, we’ve got to be ready for that and be prepared for a battle.”

Click here to watch the full and exclusive interview with Vale boss Rob Page ahead of this weekend’s game against Crawley.

Alternatively, watch a short clip of the interview in the YouTube video below.