'You want a Mitch Clark that's fired up and who can't just sit back on his heels'

MITCH Clark's performance against Cardiff City for Port Vale was proof that the stakes have been raised for his place in the team.

- Clive Youlton

That's the view of Valiants legend Phil Sproson, who is the agent of Jordan Gabriel - another wing-back on the right side sure to be after Clark’s spot on the flank.

Gabriel is yet to feature, but is said to be back in training along with Ben Garrity, and both men could feature tonight when Darren Moore's side take on Blackpool in the League Cup first round.

Sproson believes Clark has upped his game, and that was very much the case last Thursday against Cardiff.

“I think Mitch has said it himself and that is exactly what has happened?

Sproson told BBC Radio Stoke.

“It’s what Darren Moore wanted. I think he always wanted to keep Mitch Clark at the club, and why wouldn’t you? You want a Mitch Clark that’s fired up and he can't sit back on his heels and think he’s going to get picked every weel

“He's got to go out there and continue to prove what we know he is capable of.

“He does pick up the odd injury from time to time and he's worked extremely hard in preseason to get a level of fitness that can maintain what he needs to do, but certainly it’s no surprise as it happens all over the country.