Gannon denies Port Vale's Roberts can leave on loan

Roberts is currently serving a three-match suspension

Port Vale manager Jim Gannon has denied that midfielder Gary Roberts has been made available for loan.

Gannon told the club website: "We have not had a conversation about Gary leaving the club on loan and we will not be having a conversation.

"Gary has been, and continues to be, a very important member of the squad.

"At no time have I given him permission to join another club on loan. We have a relatively small squad and have no plans at present for players to leave."

Former Vale boss Micky Adams signed Roberts in July, initially on a six-month contract, an arrangement that was extended until the end of the season after the 24-year-old made an impressive start to the campaign.

In all, he has played 33 games for the Valiants, scoring two goals, although he has started just four of the 11 matches since Gannon took charge at Vale Park.

Roberts will serve the final game of a three-match ban against Macclesfield on Saturday after being sent off in a reserve game for violent conduct.

Gannon also said he is hopeful of adding another player to his squad on loan before Vale take on the Silkmen.

"I am currently in the process of negotiating with a number of clubs to bring in loan players to strengthen our push for promotion, rather than allowing players to leave," he added.

"I am confident one of those players will be joining in the near future."