Brightwell made 40 playing appearances in a two-year spell at Vale

New Port Vale assistant Ian Brightwell has praised the decision of boss Dean Glover to play a five-man midfield in the Valiants' 1-0 win at Lincoln.

Glover has won three of his opening four away games as Vale boss, each time employing five in midfield.

Brightwell told BBC Radio Stoke: "The gaffer decided to make a few changes and that this was the way to go.

"Credit has to go to him for making that decision because it has worked more than once now."

"We've been telling the players that if you keep a clean sheet then you will always get a result," said the former Manchester City midfielder.

"And obviously, as happened against Lincoln, if you get a goal at the other end then you take all three points."

Vale have now won four of their eight away games this season, but have managed just two wins from seven outings at home.

Brightwell says the inconsistency is frustrating, but their is potential to improve.

"We have got talent, but we have to learn how to grind results out.

"Our home form hasn't been as good as it should be, but we won our last home game and that is something to build on."

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