Port Vale's Stuart Tomlinson glad to start against Bury

Stuart Tomlinson spent last season at Barrow

Port Vale goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson says he was pleased to edge out Chris Martin and start his side's opening day League Two victory at Bury.

Vale boss Micky Adams surprised some with the selection of Tomlinson ahead of last season's player of the year.

But Tomlinson told BBC Radio Stoke: "I was more glad than anything to start the season.

"It's only one game and I'm sure Chris will be chomping at the bit to get back in. You push each other on."

After the team's 1-0 win, Tomlinson was quick to praise his back four.

"The back four hang on, they're tough to break down, you can see that in training," he said.

"If they keep the ball away from me for the full 90 minutes I'm more than happy with that. You have to build up a relationship and I've got full confidence in them."

Tomlinson also praised Vale's 2,000-strong travelling support for their vocal backing throughout the game.

"I didn't realise how barmy the fans were, they're absolutely nuts," he said. "I couldn't even hear the defenders. Playing in front of a good strong away following definitely ups your game."

Live commentary of Port Vale's Carling Cup tie at Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday can be heard on BBC Radio Stoke on 94.6 FM.