By Joe Questier

Gareth Owen (wrist), Tom Pope (groin) and Lee Collins (ankle) all remain major doubts ahead of Vale's home encounter with Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.

The trio all missed last weekend's 1-0 victory at Rotherham United, as both Owen and Pope suffered their respective injuries in training last week, whilst Collins was forced to come off early in the side's recent 3-0 defeat to Southend United.

Vale boss Micky Adams confirmed the three players have not trained with the squad all week.

He told port-vale.co.uk: "I think we have got the same squad as last week, so it will be the same group of players going out there, giving their all again.

"Tom Pope is still struggling, as is Gareth Owen and Lee Collins, so you are talking about three men plus the long-term injuries. I don't think any of those three will feature this week."

Meanwhile, in the absence of defender Collins, Doug Loft looks set to continue at left-back, and Adams admitted he was happy with the midfielder's progression in what is an unfamiliar position. for the 25-year-old.

Said Adams: "Doug is one of those type of lads that wants to do well, wants to do well for himself but more importantly, wants to do well for the team. 

"I think it shows in his performances that he is quite happy to sacrifice his natural midfield position, to help the football club out at the moment - and we need all of that and more, from everybody.

"He is adapting well, and to me he looks a great left-back - he's certainly got all the attributes to be one, so I have got no fears at all leaving him there if I have to."

Elsewhere, Ryan Burge (knee) and Lewis Haldane continue their rehabilitation from long-term injury.

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