Sutton was released by Crewe in 2007

Port Vale assistant manager Geoff Horsfield has praised defender Richie Sutton for ensuring he is ready for the demands of professional football.

Sutton, 24, joined Vale from non-league Nantwich in the summer and started his first league game against Gillingham.

His Vale career had been delayed by a six-game ban incurred after he was sent off for the third time last season.

"He's got his head down and done a lot of work and been a credit to himself," Horsfield told BBC Radio Stoke.

Horsfield added that Sutton's attitude, matched with two well received appearances in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and an appearance as a substitute in the league win over Bradford, earned him his start against the Gills.

"He's come in from a non-league team, a working class lad, been suspended for six games but put himself in the shop window."

Sutton was given the chance to return to league football by Vale boss Micky Adams after three seasons out of the professional game.

Following his release from Crewe as a young player, he spent two seasons at Stafford Rangers before making the short move to Nantwich.

Sutton himself admits that the hard work put in during his extended pre-season has left him a better player.

"I feel a lot fitter now which lets me play my position much better.

"I've lost a lot of muscle mass when I was suspended because I was doing a lot of running," he said.

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