Friday 11 February 2011 17:07, UK
Port Vale manager Jim Gannon is treating the return of Marc Richards like a new signing at the club.
Port Vale manager Jim Gannon is treating the return of Marc Richards like a new signing at the club. Club captain Richards suffered a thigh injury during his side's 2-1 League Two victory over Burton Albion in January. However, the striker made his return to full training on Thursday, following almost six weeks on the sidelines. The former Barnsley forward has been the Valiants' top-scorer this season, netting 14 goals in all competitions, and Gannon says his side have missed the striker's presence. Speaking to the club's official website, Gannon said: "Marc trained with the first-team today. The lads gave him a bit of ribbing because he looked a bit rusty. But naturally, every day he trains and every hour that he is out there is going to build his confidence back up. "He is feeling no ill affects of his injury, but we may need to think how we are going to involve him in the first team, and how much he is going to play, because we need to ease him in. "With Marc being out for six weeks it would be a tall ask to put him straight in and play 90 minutes. But I know he is getting a little bit excited about being part of the squad very soon. "His record speaks for itself and he is a real talismanic figure at the club. It is going to be great to have him back. It will not only be a huge boost for him, but also for the team and the fans to see him playing again."