Vale looking 'dangerous' after slow start - Curtis

Ronan Curtis joined Port Vale from AFC Wimbledon before the start of the 2024-25 season and helped the club win promotion to League One

Winger Ronan Curtis says resurgent Port Vale are now looking "dangerous" on the pitch following their slow start to the League One season.

Vale failed to win any of their first five league games of the campaign but have recently strung together a five-match unbeaten run in the third tier.

Devante Cole's 86th-minute equaliser secured a point at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday, with Vale's only loss in their past seven games being to Premier League leaders Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.

"We knew results would come - it just took us a little bit longer than expected," Curtis told BBC Radio Stoke.

"Obviously results at the start of the season weren't going our way - I don't know what that was down to, maybe a lack of quality or gelling together because there were a lot of new signings.

"But form has picked up and we look dangerous on the pitch, so long may that continue."

Curtis says Vale's ability to adapt to the different challenges posed by their third-tier opponents so far has been key to their improved form.

"We want to score the perfect goal but sometimes you've got to mix it up," he said.

"You've got to go long, win your battles, and there will be some scrappy games but as long as you win, who cares?

"It's been different types of wins and draws but long may the run continue - there's a good momentum and feel-good factor."

Curtis has also had to show his versatility recently, dropping back from his usual position on the wing to play wing-back.

Vale have a shortage in that position with Jaheim Headley, Mitch Clark, Liam Gordon and Kyle John all injured.

It led boss Darren Moore to plug the gap by signing ex-Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United defender Marvin Johnson on a short-term deal.

Curtis said playing wing-back "is not my top choice" but added he will do what Moore asks "as best I can".

He continued: "It's completely different to being a winger but I don't mind it.

"You've go to tuck in and stay on your feet and don't dive in but I'll play wherever I'm called upon.

"We've got a huge squad and a lot of competition but you've got to make it hard on him [Moore] to leave you out."