Port Vale: Chris Neal injury hands Sam Johnson his big chance

Sam Johnson has been looking over first-choice Chris Neal's shoulder at Vale Park for the last three seasons

Port Vale goalkeeper Sam Johnson has been urged to take his chance following the ankle injury suffered by first-choice Chris Neal.

The club are are still awaiting the results of a scan on Neal who fell awkwardly on his ankle in Tuesday night's 2-1 friendly win against Notts County at Vale Park.

But boss Rob Page told BBC Radio Stoke: "He has the jersey. It's over to him."

Johnson deputised in March 2014 when Neal suffered a similar ankle injury.

He has managed 26 appearances in his three seasons as Neal's understudy, as well as spending a month last season out on loan at Alfreton.

"He jumped to collect the ball and as he's landed he's rolled over on the lad's foot," Page added.

"It is what it is. We just have to await the results of the scan now. But what it does is open the door and it gives an opportunity to somebody else. He's got to step up to the plate and give a good account of himself."