Port Vale in JPT important game, says Hill

Manager Keith Hill says tonight’s (Tuesday 8 October) Johnstone Paint Trophy (JPT) match against League One side Port Vale is an important game.

Dale enter the competition at the second round stage after being given a bye in the first round, while Port Vale saw off Bury 2-1 last month to book their place.

JPT rules state that Hill must name six players who played in Dale’s last outing, and speaking after Saturday’s game at Portsmouth, he ruled out making too many changes.

He said: “It’s an important game for the football club and the players, and I don’t intend on making too many changes. I don’t see any reason why we should because we’re still early in the season.

“I think the players have been absolutely superb on creating this run [four league wins in September] and we will bounce back. I said during the week that we’re not going to win every game but our response to losing is really important.”

Skipper Peter Cavanagh will again be unavailable selection as he continues to recover from an achilles problem, while George Donnelly will serve the last of his three match ban.