Left-back Taylor signed a short-term contract at Vale Park in August

Port Vale defender Kris Taylor believes competition for places is the main reason for their impressive start.

The Valiants are 13th in League Two, having lost just one of their seven league matches and have also reached the third round of the Carling Cup.

The left-back told BBC Radio Stoke: "I think there's competition all over the field at the moment.

"It keeps everyone on their toes and they know that if they don't perform, they're going to be out of the side."

Taylor signed a short-term deal at Vale Park in August, after being released by Hereford in the summer.

The 25-year-old was injured in training after scoring his first goal for the club in the 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in the second round of the Carling Cup.

A thigh problem forced him to miss the league games against Hereford and Grimsby, with Plymouth loanee Damien McCrory taking his place in both matches.

However, Taylor was recalled for the 1-1 draw at Aldershot on Saturday and he is happy with his fitness levels.

"The injury's fine, it's just a case of getting the sharpness back," added Taylor. "I only missed two games but that's long enough to make a difference.

"Damien did well and he'll be disappointed to be left out. He didn't do anything wrong, but the manager wanted to put me back in and I was delighted with that."

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