Scunthorpe boss Graham Alexander has been handed a major fitness boost ahead of Saturday's clash with Port Vale.

Midfielder Neal Bishop is set to return to the side following injury while both David Mirfin and Conor Townsend are also pushing for recalls after successfully negotiating a midweek friendly.

Alexander is without the suspended Kevin van Veen while Paddy Madden is still sidelined and Kyle Wootton has joined Cheltenham on loan.

After last weekend's postponement at Charlton, home debuts could be handed to new trio Matt Crooks, Craig Davies and Ivan Toney.

Port Vale caretaker boss Michael Brown could look to shuffle his line-up after two league games without a win which sandwiched a heavy FA Cup defeat to Huddersfield.

Midfielder Sam Foley made his long-awaited return from ankle surgery by scoring in a midweek friendly against Wrexham but Saturday's trip to Glanford Park is expected to come too soon.

Striker Anton Forrester could be in line for a return to the starting line-up after shrugging off his recent hamstring injury and also having a run-out in midweek.

New signing Chris Eagles and striker Rigino Cicilia increase Brown's options after starting on the bench for last week's 2-2 home draw with Bury.