Shrewsbury-born winger Rob Taylor is relishing the opportunity to make his 100th league appearance for Port Vale against his hometown club tomorrow (1pm).

Taylor, a former Bridgnorth Endowed schoolboy, is bang in form after scoring twice in Vale’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Bradford on Tuesday, including a 25-yard rocket which he described as his “best ever goal.”

The 26-year-old has taken his chance after being restored to Micky Adams’ starting line-up four games ago and he can’t wait to continue the good work.

He said: “I was born and brought up around Shrewsbury and I know a lot of people there. It adds a bit of extra spice for me, but all I’ll be thinking about is trying to do my best and help Vale to get three more points.

“I got my chance again because of injuries. Lewis Haldane, Sean Rigg and Doug Loft all got injured which is unfortunate for them, but it opened doors for me and other players.

“A few of us have given the manager food for thought and hopefully I will keep my shirt against Shrewsbury.”

Taylor is certain to start tomorrow, but he admits his move to Vale Park from Nuneaton Borough three years ago has not always gone as he would have liked. Brought to the club by former Vale boss Lee Sinnott, he initially struggled to make an impression.

He added: “Towards the end of my first year here I began to wonder if I was good enough. I wasn’t getting into the side and when you are overlooked you do start to question yourself.

“Thankfully, I stuck at it and started to get a few breaks. This is my fourth season with Vale now and the next step is to build consistency into my game.”

Adams is likely to name an unchanged team, but Doug Loft is pushing hard for a return after recovering from a knee injury. The midfielder has already scored four goals this season and he came off the bench to set up Tom Pope’s stoppage time winner on Tuesday.

The Vale boss said: “It’s third versus fourth so it’s a big game even at this early stage. The place was rocking last season with almost 8,500 here against Shrewsbury.”

By ANTHONY MUNDAY