by RICK COWDERY

WITH the exception of Simon Walton, no Pilgrim has spent more time on the pitch this season than Conor Hourihane, even though the young Irishman has missed the last two Argyle games.

It says something about the growing strength of Carl Fletcher's side that Conor, who is 21 on Thursday, is not guaranteed a return to colours against Port vale on Saturday now that his ban has ended.

With Walton - who "should be fine" after a shoulder problem - and new-signing/old boy Paul Wotton having anchored the central midfield to four points in Conor's absence, and Ashley Hemmings and Luke Young impressing on the flanks, Fletch certainly has options.

"Our squad isn't massive," said Fletch. "It's on the smaller side and it only takes a couple of injuries or suspensions, and you are back to bare bones again, but it's nice to have options."

Forward Nick Chadwick could also provide another option as Argyle seek to build on some impressive form on their visit to Chaddy's home town.

The Stoke-born forward has been suffering from a sore hamstring which has seen him miss three and three-quarter games.

With or without Nick, Argyle go into Saturday's having lost just twice in the last nine outings, not that the manager has been remotely interested in a spot of laurel-resting.

"We always just look to the next game and focus all our attention on that," he said.

"We don't look too far back. We are always looking to the next challenge ahead, which is a tough game.

"With the results we have had, we will go there with a bit of confidence, but we know we have got to be right on it to have any chance of getting anything out of the game."

Micky Adams-managed Vale won 1-0 at Rotherham on their last outing, while Argyle drew 1-1 at home to Crawley having previously beaten Burton 2-1 at Home Park.

"From the reports we got back, [Port Vale] played very well in tough conditions," said Carl.

"They have got some good players and we know that Micky Adams will have his players raring to go and 100%, so we have to make sure we're at that level.

"We played Burton, [who are] going for the play-offs and Crawley, [who are] looking for automatic promotion

"They were tough games so we were pleased to get the results and we are just working hard to keep doing things the right way."

Vale have doubts about the participation of Gareth Owen, Tom Pope and Lee Collins, who all missed the win at Rotherham United.