Martin has been an ever-present in goal for Port Vale this season

Port Vale goalkeeper Chris Martin is geared up for a battle to keep hold of his starting place with Joe Anyon back to full fitness.

Martin, 19, has deputised while Anyon recovered from the broken leg he suffered at Chesterfield in March.

"Joe's almost fit now, and I'm playing for my place every time I go out there," Martin told BBC Radio Stoke.

"I always said that it's good to have a bit of pressure because it keeps you better and helps you play well."

Martin has started all of Vale's 16 games this season.

Anyon, 22, who has made more than 100 appearances for the club, made his comeback for the reserves against Shrewsbury in September.

Micky Adams' side will look to extend their four-match unbeaten run against Crewe on Saturday and Martin believes the next month could be pivotal to their season.

"We've been in this position before," said Martin. "We know how hard it is to get up, and we know how easy it is to go down.

"That's in all of the lads' minds, so if we can string three or four wins together we'll start pushing up the league."

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