The gloves are off as Amos returns to compete for number one spot

DARREN Moore confirmed there will be a battle for the Port Vale goalkeeper's jersey now that Ben Amos has returned to full fitness.

- Clive Youlton

Ahead of today's League One match up with Northampton Town at Vale Park, the Valiants boss spoke of how pleased he was with the goalkeeping department and stated that Aston Villa loanee Joe Gauci would be on international duty next week.

The Australian will therefore miss the visit to AFC Wimbledon on October 11.

Vale play Accrington Stanley in the EFL Trophy next Tuesday and was always likely either Marko Marosi or Amos would be in goal for that one.

"Ben Amos is back and our goalkeeping department is really healthy," Moore said in his pre-match press conference.

"It's stronger than last season and we wanted it to be. We've got three top goalkeepers competing for the shirt.

"It's the international break coming and we will therefore miss Joe. We knew that."

He added: "Just to explain, with all three goalkeepers it's only now that Ben Amos is back fit.

"Up until now we have had Joe and Marko. Marko stepped in and played. Joe stepped in and played and did really well.

"But after the game on Saturday we lose Joe and there are five international windows where Joe is potentially being called up for his country. So then we are back down to two [keepers. And we are expected to continue the games so it's really vitally important that at one stage when Joe is gone and we are down to two, it goes to show the reason we have got three goalkeepers to maintain the quality of the team.