Haldane made 37 appearances for Vale last season

Port Vale defender Gareth Owen says Lewis Haldane's return from injury is "brilliant" for the team.

Haldane made his first appearance of the season in the 1-1 draw with Dartford in the FA Cup first round.

The winger had missed several months due to an infection caused by an insect bite suffered during the summer.

"It's brilliant to have him back because he's a real threat and he's a lovely kid as well," Owen told BBC Radio Stoke.

Haldane, 25, returned to full training late last week and went straight back into the squad for the Cup tie.

Luckily for him he's coming back into a squad that's doing well, we're second top Vale boss Micky Adams

Despite being well short of match fitness, he came off the bench as Vale looked to come back from a goal down against their non-league opponents.

"He's a bit tired now, he'll be the first to admit that but fair play to him because it's been a nasty injury that he's had and there's been times where there's been no light at the end of the tunnel for him," Owen added.

Vale boss Micky Adams hopes the appearance will give the wide-man and the rest of the squad a real boost.

"Luckily for him he's coming back into a squad that's doing well, we're second top," he said.

"His coming back into the squad can only enhance us and I think we've missed him."

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