Vale Coach Spoke To Press On Monday
- Goalkeeping coach gives update on Lloyd, Pope and McGivern
- Said Pope joined in with first team warm-up on Monday morning
- Things are 'looking bright' for McGivern according to Grew
Port Vale coach Mark Grew has today given an update on the injuries to striker Tom Pope, midfielder Ryan Lloyd and defender Ryan McGivern.
Pope had successful surgery on his knee after damaging his lateral collateral ligament against Scunthorpe United in October.
The 29-year-old joined in with the first team squad’s session on Monday morning as he continued on the road to recovery.
Speaking to the press at Vale Park, Grew admitted it was nice to see the progression the forward has made and discussed the work he had done in training.
“He joined in with the warm-up this morning where he did the passing routines and ball work and then we took him off with the physio,” he said.
“He then did a lot of hard work running wide so that’s a big step for him to come into the ball work so soon really.”
Young midfielder Ryan Lloyd was substituted with a knock in Vale’s 2-1 win over Norton United in the Staffordshire Senior Cup last week but Grew insisted it was not serious.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland international Ryan McGivern, who injured his arm against Coventry City in December, is also recovering well.
“Just Ryan Lloyd, he took a knock against Norton but it’s not major. It was nice to see Popey, he’s coming on a bundle so we’re looking to have him back in a couple of weeks,” Grew added.
“Ryan McGivern is very, very close. Obviously we’ve got to wait for that bone to heal but yes things are looking bright on that side.”
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