Danny Pugh has praised Port Vale winger Rhys Browne’s recent performances after what he described as “a frustrating season” for the Antiguan international.
Browne, who signed for the Valiants in July 2019 and also featured at Macclesfield under manager John Askey, has started the last two games against Forest Green Rovers and Colchester United and has produced two impressive performances.
"He (Browne) has done exceptionally well over the past couple of games” said first-team coach Danny Pugh.
“I think there’s no doubting Rhys’ ability and he’ll tell you himself it’s been a frustrating season for him.
“He’s maybe not played as much as he would like but he’s come in over the last couple of games and shown people what he can do, with the level of performances he’s put in, even after being out of the team.”
Pugh was speaking following Vale’s fantastic 3-0 home win against Colchester on Saturday, which has pushed the Valiants up to sixth and into the play-off places.
"It was a fantastic result, and a very good performance.
“Over quite a few games this season we’ve played well but not throughout the whole game, but I thought we played well for the majority of the game.”
Saturday’s win meant that it is now five unbeaten for Vale in all competitions (W4, D1) and Pugh believes that our current run comes down to hard work and a continued run of form.
“We’ve always thought we could improve, we’ve worked hard and we’re constantly looked to improve.
“We always thought we needed two or three wins back-to-back to lift us up the league and now it has done.”
And belief is high amongst the camp that Vale can stay in the play-off positions now they have broken into the top 7, although recent interviews with the gaffer and Scott Brown have urged Valiants not to get carried away.
“We’ve had a lot of belief all season, even when we weren’t in the play-offs.
“Now the hard-work is starting to show some fruition.”
Pugh also had some positive news for the Valiants with David Amoo and Jake Taylor returning to training.
“David (Amoo) is training today which is a big boost.
“We were disappointed to lose him for the last few games, but he’s back in training now which is a good sign.
“Jake Taylor is back in the building today, so that’s another big boost for us.
“Whilst he’s been away other players have stepped in and played well, so that’s another fight and another bit of competition for the players.”