McCall back for Port Vale challenge

Will McCall (pictured) will return to action on Ilkeston FC’s left flank against Port Vale tonight (7.30pm) and it’s hoped that Ryan Wilson will have recovered from a ‘dead-leg’ sustained on Saturday in time to play.

But injured pair Laurie Wilson and Jamie Clarke will still be sidelined and boss Kevin Wilson admits he is getting a “bit concerned” about their lack on involvement in the pre-season preparations.

He explained: “Obviously I want all our key players to be fit and ready by the time the Premier Division campaign kicks off on August 18 and Laurie and Jamie have already missed a fair chunk of the work.

“Laurie is having problems with a shoulder but it does seem to be improving and hopefully he will be able to resume training on Thursday.

“As for Jamie, he took a knee in his back against Notts County and is only able to run in a straight line at present. He’s a naturally fit lad so I’m not so bothered in that respect but he does need to build up his match sharpness.”

Wilson is hoping that the visit of Port Vale to the New Manor Ground will inspire his players to hit straight back from the disappointing defeat at Gresley on Saturday and produce the type of impressive display they put on against Sheffield United and Burton Albion.

Added the manager: “Although it’s all about building up our fitness at this stage, we are lacking consistency and certain players know that I’m looking for better from them.

“We’ve tended to look good in the home games but I want to see some signs away from the New Manor Ground that we are getting back to the type of gritty away form that brought us a lot of joy in the second half of last season.”

Although tonight’s line-up will be basically the same as played at Gresley, Wilson has hinted that he also expects to include one or two trialists.

• Please note that tonight’s game will kick off at 7.30pm - not 7.45 as per usual.