Port Vale vs Bradford AFC - Inniss no longer out for Port Vale

Posted Friday, January 22, 2016 by PA

Defender Ryan Inniss looks set to be back involved for Port Vale in the Sky Bet League One home clash with Bradford.

Inniss' recovery from a shoulder problem he sustained in September has been nearing completion, and after a 90-minute run-out for the reserves on Wednesday the on-loan Crystal Palace man will be optimistic of making his return to Vale's first-team squad.

Midfielder Chris Birchall and winger Enoch Andoh (both knee) remain unavailable, although the latter this week took an important step forward in his rehabilitation.

Andoh, out since October and looking set to miss the rest of the season, was on Wednesday able to ride an exercise bike in the gym for the first time since sustaining his injury.

Bradford's on-loan defender Reece Burke will return to contention after being ineligible for the penalty shoot-out defeat to Bury in their midweek FA Cup replay.

Centre-half Burke returned to the club last week until the end of the season and is expected to feature, while boss Phil Parkinson will monitor striker James Hanson, who missed out on Tuesday night due to a calf strain.

Fellow striker Steven Davies stepped off the bench late on at Bury following his long-term knee injury and is hoping to be involved again.

It remains to be seen whether Gary Liddle returns to the squad. The midfielder has been left out for the last two matches following an unsuccessful transfer bid from Carlisle.