Rodgers was Vales leading scorer last season with 12 goals

Port Vale striker Luke Rodgers will make his first appearance of the pre-season on Saturday, as he continues his recovery from a hernia operation.

The 26-year-old was a major doubt for the start of the season, but should play in the friendly against Walsall.

"He's an individual who'll regain match fitness and sharpness quicker than many people", Vale manager Lee Sinnott told BBC Radio Stoke.

"But we have to be careful we don't push him too far, too soon," he said.

Sinnott has ended his interest in an un-named Championship defender after signing Lee Collins from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a six-month loan.

Who's to say that other bodies won't come in? Things can change over night. Vale manager Lee Sinnott on new signings

It was believed that he was chasing two defenders after a deal for Barnsley's Simon Heslop collapsed due to budget restrictions.

But Sinnott told BBC Radio Stoke: "That won't be happening at this time, but who's to say that other bodies won't come in? Things can change over night, so we'll see how things pan out."