Port Vale midfielder David Howland says home victories will be crucial to the Valiants' push for promotion from League Two.

Irishman Howland joined the Vale from Birmingham City in June after a loan spell last season.

The 21-year-old told BBC Radio Stoke: "We need to win our home games, that's for definite.

"We can then go away and pick up what points we can. With good backing at Vale Park I think we can do well."

Howland is one of six new signings made by manager Lee Sinnott this summer and he says the new faces have brought a new attitude to the club.

"It's a new start. A lot of players have left and the manager has brought new guys in so the bad feeling that may have been there last season has gone now.

"We have a young squad and all the players are hungry for success. Competition for places will be tough. It's all about being fit and ready to go for the start of the season."

The Vale kicked off their pre-season friendly programme with a 0-0 draw away to Farsley Celtic, the squad are next in action at Newcastle Town on Saturday July 12.