Notts County trio doubtful for Port Vale game

Posted Sunday, December 31, 2017 by PA

Shola Ameobi, Jonathan Forte and Rob Milsom remain doubts for Notts County against Port Vale after missing the defeat to Swindon.

Boss Kevin Nolan was hopeful the trio might return to face the Robins after missing the clash against Morecambe, but none of them made the matchday squad for the trip to Wiltshire.

Richard Duffy dropped out of the squad altogether after being substituted on Boxing Day and could miss out again as the Magpies look to close the gap on League Two leaders Luton.

Matt Tootle, Carl Dickinson and Terry Hawkridge were brought into the team on Saturday and will be hoping to keep their places.

James Gibbons is back in contention for Vale as he returns from suspension.

The defender has missed the last four games after being handed a second red card of the season in the recent FA Cup defeat at Yeovil.

The Valiants extended their unbeaten league run to five games with an emphatic 4-0 win against Luton on Saturday, so manager Neil Aspin could be tempted to go with the same XI.

Defender Kjell Knops (knee) remains a long-term absentee, as does Adam Yates who is recovering from fractures to his nose, cheekbone and eye socket sustained in November.