Barnsley vs Port Vale preview - Tykes duo set to return

Posted Friday, January 30, 2015 by PA

Barnsley's experienced duo Peter Ramage and Martin Cranie could return to first-team action in the home game against Port Vale.

Ramage was an unused substitute in last week's defeat at MK Dons as he has been struggling with a thigh strain, while fellow defender Cranie has missed the last five games due to a knee injury.

Sam Winnall has an outside chance of returning to the squad. The striker has been sidelined since the end of November due to a hamstring problem but could be included on the bench.

Midfielder Paul Digby is pushing for a recall as Barnsley, two points above the relegation zone, hope to avoid a third straight league defeat.

Vale's injury problems continue to mount ahead of the trip to South Yorkshire.

Louis Dodds suffered a broken toe during the defeat to Crewe last Saturday while fellow forward Achille Campion was this week diagnosed with a suspected broken rib sustained while in action for the reserves.

With Dodds and Campion ruled out and Alex Nimely on trial at Bolton, Vale's forward options are Ben Williamson, Dany N'Guessan and Tom Pope, who has only just returned from long-term injury.

However, Northern Ireland international defender Ryan McGivern, who injured his arm against Coventry last month, is also "very, very close" to making a return to the squad, according to Valiants boss Rob Page.