Vale teenager Shorrock no longer feels 'a liability'

Jack Shorrock became Port Vale's youngest ever first-team player aged 15 years and 145 days when he played against Shrewsbury Town in the EFL Trophy in September 2022

Port Vale's teenage midfielder Jack Shorrock says he does not feel like a "liability" to the team as his all-round game continues to mature.

The 17-year-old, who can play at left wing-back or in midfield, had in key role in Saturday's 1-0 win at MK Dons, providing the assist for Antwoine Hackford's 77th winner that sent Vale to the top of League Two.

It was only Shorrock's second league appearance of the season after his first game of the campaign in their 1-0 victory at Notts County the week before.

"I'm over the moon to be fair. The last two games have been very tough but I've come in, done well and done my job - the main thing is we've got six points," he told BBC Radio Stoke.

"Last season I had some tough games, like Derby [a 3-0 defeat] but these are the two toughest games I've played so far.

"Having not much of the ball in the first half in both games - I think it's a challenge I'm there to take on. I showed the gaffer that I can play whenever he needs me."

'Teams looked at me and said we'll hit him'

A number of injuries down Vale's left-hand side has presented the teenager with his chance to claim a regular place this season.

Shorrock, who is both Vale's youngest-ever first-team player and youngest goalscorer, says he believes his hard work in training is starting to pay off.

"This year I think I've matured more in my defensive play than my attacking," he added.

"I've probably defended more in the last few games but I've shown I can do both by getting forward and getting assists - which is my game.

"The lads around me have made me grow up and mature very quickly. They're talking to me the whole game and making it easier for me.

"I've just got to keep going and trying to play as many games as I can."

Shorrock's increasing improvement is, he says, also making him less of a target for opposition players.

"I've matured my defensive play a lot more," he said. "I'm not a liability - probably not like I was last year, where teams look at me and go, 'oh, we'll hit him'.

"I want to show teams they can't just put a ball on me - I'll battle and fight."

It is not just the encouragement and respect from his team-mates that gives Shorrock confidence.

Vale boss Darren Moore is also a big source of support.

"He trusts me a lot and gives me reassurance," Shorrock said. "At the same time he expects a lot of me and if I make a mistake, just because I'm17, he won't hold back on me.

"So I've just got to play my game and show him I can do it.

"I want to nail my place down but all I'm bothered about it the team winning.

"At the start of the season, I didn't play as much because the team was winning and since I've got my chance I want to take it."