PORT Vale captain Marc Richards is to play through the pain barrier to help the Valiants make the play-offs.

The 29-year-old striker has been in deadly form so far this season, having netted his 10th goal of the campaign against Rotherham last week.

However, Richards has been nursing an ankle injury for sometime but has no intention of missing out what could be an important game against Argyle on Saturday.

"Having the surgery isn't in my mind," Richards told BBC Radio Stoke.

"I know it's something that I need to have eventually, but as long as we're in touching distance of the play-offs, that's what I'm fully focused on."

"As long as the ankle isn't stopping me from playing, I feel like I need to be out there and want to be out there.

"It's ultimately up to the manager. If he thinks my performances still warrant the shirt, I'll want to play as long as possible.

"If he feels like I'm not pulling my weight, I'm sure he'll tell me, and maybe it's time to have the surgery done then."