Owen has had to play in a protective mask since fracturing his cheekbone

Port Vale defender Gareth Owen said the league Two club's training schedule has not been affected during the prolonged spell of harsh weather.

Vale have been using the all-weather training pitch at Nantwich Town, as their own training pitch is frozen.

"The facility up there is brilliant and it's great that we're able to use that," Owen told BBC Radio Stoke.

"We are able to do some shape work and some proper football work, as well as topping up our fitness."

The 27-year-old continued: "We haven't wanted for anything and nothing's been too disrupted for us. We just want a bit of sunshine and a bit of warm air now."

Owen has been playing in a protective mask since fracturing his cheekbone in November, but he has been given a clean bill of health and can now play without it.

"My mask's been taken away now, I've had a whack on it and it felt fine. I'm 100% and raring to go," said the former Stockport centre-half.

Vale, who have played just once since 12 December, are scheduled to face Bradford City at Vale Park on Saturday.

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