Port Vale manager Lee Sinnott could call on the services of Adam Eckersley for the trip to Gresty Road to face Crewe on Tuesday evening.The defender has been sidelined in recent weeks with an ankle problem but could face the Railwaymen after returning to training.

Luke Rodgers made his return from a stomach muscle injury as a late substitute in the 2-1 defeat to Doncaster on Saturday and will hope to have done enough to earn a promotion to the starting line-up.

One player certain to miss the game is Shane Tudor, who is ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury, while Keith Lowe is again expected to miss out.

Midfielder Robin Hulbert made his first start since recovering from a fractured collarbone against Rovers and is likely to retain his place.

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