Lee Collins can play at higher level, says Gareth Owen

Collins has helped Port Vale keep clean sheets in their last three league games

Port Vale defender Lee Collins has the ability to play "at a very high level", according to team-mate Gareth Owen.

Collins, 21, has starred for Vale this season and, alongside Owen, has helped Vale to one of the best defensive records in League Two this season.

"He's a fantastic talent and he's destined for bigger and better things," Owen told BBC Radio Stoke.

"That's no disrespect to the club, but he's a player that deserves to be playing at a very high level."

The former Stockport captain added: "He's got pace in abundance, he can play all across the back four and he's freakishly fit.

"It's not just us as a defence that can take the credit [for keeping clean sheets in the last three matches], the whole team is pulling in the right direction.

"The team are grafting for each other and we're going to need plenty more of that for the rest of the season."

Vale have conceded just 25 goals in 26 matches, with only Notts County [21] having a better record, and have not let in a goal from open play since the defeat by Morecambe on 5 December.

Collins has made 75 appearances for Port Vale since joining from Wolves in July 2008, initially on loan, before signing a permanent deal six months later.