VALE THREAT

Loanees face missing out if Crosby's boys cause shock

- lan Whittell

ANDY CROSBY joked that he will make sure his Premier League loan stars get a ticket for Port Vale's Carabao Cup semi-final if his side pull off another upset.

Manager Crosby's third-tier side, in the last eight of the League Cup for the first time, take on Michael Carrick's Championship Middlesbrough tonight.

But Vale's loanees could be recalled by their parent clubs before the semis.

Tottenham's Alfie Devine, Oli Arblaster of Sheffield United and Crystal Palace's Kofi Balmer, as well as Josh Thomas from Championship side Swansea, have all impressed this season.

The trio, however, have recall clauses next month that might mean heartache.