Richards suited to change of role

Richards was appointed vice-captain of Vale by new boss Micky Adams

Port Vale striker Marc Richards says he can benefit from playing with Geoff Horsfield and thinks the veteran's arrival will improve his game.

The pair played together for the first time in the 1-1 draw against Rochdale, in which Richards scored a penalty.

"If he plays a lot of games, I can work with him, play off him and that's good for me," Richards told BBC Radio Stoke.

"In the last couple of years, I've usually been the bigger one up front, so it's a different scenario now."

Richards, 27, was utilised mainly as a lone striker by former manager Dean Glover last season.

He finished as Vale's top scorer in 2008-09 with 11 goals, although an Achilles injury prevented him from playing in any of the last eight matches of the season.

"It hasn't completely cleared up, but I haven't broken down yet and that's a positive," added the former Northampton striker.

"It's been the toughest pre-season that all of the lads have ever done."

Commentary of Vale's Carling Cup first round tie against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Tuesday, 11 August can be found on BBC Radio Stoke 94.6 FM with Matt Sandoz and Mick Cullerton from 1945 BST.