Defender Owen scouting for Vale

Owen signed for Port Vale on a free transfer from Stockport in January

Port Vale defender Gareth Owen has been scouting for the League Two club whilst he recovers from an ankle injury.

Owen has been sidelined since the 1-0 defeat to Dagenham and Redbridge in March, but is expected to return for Vale's trip to Rochdale on 11 April.

"I went to watch Rochdale and Exeter with [chief scout] Ray Williams. We're playing both teams in the next couple of weeks," Owen told BBC Radio Stoke.

"It was really good and I'm pleased to help out where I can."

The former Stoke and Oldham man has made no secret of his desire to go into management at the end of his playing career.

"I'm in the process of doing my coaching badges. I've got to pass them first and then hopefully next season I'll be doing a little bit with the kids in the school of excellence," said Owen.

"I want to get into coaching and I see that as where my future lies.

"If I can get all the experience I can and be fully qualified before I finish playing, then hopefully that's what I'll do."

I want to get into coaching and I see that as where my future lies

Gareth Owen

At 26, Owen is one of the most experienced players at Vale Park, and he believes that the youthful element of the squad will aid his development as a coach and manager.

He added: "Sometimes it's difficult to organise people. You have to go through that but management of people and management of players will only help you in the long run.

"The knowledge that I've accrued through playing and training sessions will hopefully help me as well."

Owen, who signed for Vale from Stockport on a free transfer in January, had been ruled out for the rest of the season with his ankle problem .

However, he has recovered more quickly than expected and is now back in training with the first team.