'Keeper aiming for number one spot
Sam Johnson says he is looking to earn the number one shirt and says the experience gained earlier in the season and the opportunity presented t him by the absence of Chris Neal will stand him in good stead.
Johnson should be assured of his place in the side until at least the end of the season as Neal is not expected to recover from injury in time to play any of Vale’s final games, and it’s an opportunity the 21-year-old ‘keeper is keen to relish.
Talking after the 1-1 draw at Stevenage ion Saturday, he said: “I was thinking at half time I hadn’t really had a save to make and I could do with a touch of the ball, but luckily they had a ten minute spell when they got on top and I made a couple of saves.
“I like being tested and having saves to make because it keeps you on your toes all the way through the game instead of having nothing to so and switching off.
“It is unfortunate for Chris but is hopefully another five or six games for me to get under my belt and learn from.
“It’s good for me and hopefully I can keep performing well and it will stand me in good stead for next season to push for a first team place.
“I want the number one top and hopefully these games will give me a bit more match experience .
“I have been on the bench quite a while now and hopefully I can really kick on and get that first team place!”
There aspects of his game Johnson needs to work on and the manager has told him he needs to work on his communication in and around his area.
He wants the young keeper to be a lot more vocal, and that is something Johnson is well aware of.
He said: “He’s talked to me about it recently and over the last week. It is something I have to bring into my game but I think that will come from experience. “