Neil Aspin is delighted to have experienced goalkeeper Rob Lainton back training with the squad, but the manager insists he doesn’t have to rush the 28-year-old back into action.

Vale have put their trust in Ryan Boot over the last few weeks and the young stopper has put in some strong performances.

With Lainton now back in contention for a place, Aspin admits that it will be a boost to have that added competition for the number one spot between the posts.

“Rob is back training and he was on the bench on Tuesday, I’ve spoken to him and he says he feels all right,” said Aspin.

“He has been making progress and now it’s just a case of him building up his muscles, then when he gets his chance, he has to take it.

“At the moment, he is going to have to wait for that opportunity. I will consider him when I feel I have to make a change in the goalkeeping department.

“The reason we’ve not been winning games recently isn’t down to Ryan Boot and he deserves to keep playing in the team.

“From the time I’ve been at the club and from what I’ve seen in games, he’s certainly a goalkeeper that can do a job.” 

While Lainton continues to edge closer to a comeback, fellow goalkeeper, Sam Hornby, has joined National League side Chester on an initial one-month loan deal. 

After arriving from Burton Albion in the summer, the 22-year-old has made six appearances for the Valiants and Aspin believes it is important for him to be playing senior football. 

He said: “I felt that we can’t afford to have three goalkeepers and only one playing, so I think it’s better for Sam to play some games.

“He’s got to be looking at his own career and it’s no good for him if he isn’t playing regularly.”