John McCombe delighted by Port Vale recall

McCombe had been an ever present until the visit of Gillingham last week

Port Vale defender John McCombe admitted he was surprised by his recall against Cheltenham on Saturday.

Centre-half McCombe came back in for Ritchie Sutton after being dropped for the visit of Gillingham last week.

"It was a little bit (of a surprise) but I'm fit and ready to play, I only missed last week and I thought I did alright again today," McCombe said.

"It's hard on 'Sutty', he'd done really well last week, but it's up to the gaffer," he told BBC Radio Stoke.

McCombe's return came as Vale changed tactics after a run of three games without a win.

Manager Micky Adams switched to a 3-5-2 formation and saw his side fail to convert numerous chances before being forced to settle for a frustrating 0-0 draw.

"We worked a bit on different formations during the week so we didn't know what team was going to be playing until the weekend," McCombe added.

Wherever the manager wants to play me I'll play

Vale midfielder Doug Loft

While competition for places in defence has resulted in a record of just seven goals conceded in 13 league games, McCombe, 25 believes Vale have a squad which offers good depth in all areas of the pitch.

"Lofty (Doug Loft) and Doddsy (Louis Dodds) came back in and did well again, it's up to the gaffer who he picks, I just want to be in there every week," he said.

Midfielder Loft, 24 was delighted to secure a fourth start of an injury blighted season at Whaddon Road, albeit in an unfamiliar role.

"That wing-back role, you run up and down all day, I felt fit when I did it but maybe didn't get the ball as much as I'd like but it's nice to be back in.

"Wherever the manager wants to play me, I'll play," he said.