Armstrong blow for Vale

Port Vale striker Ian Armstrong has been sidelined for a month with a stomach injury.

The former Liverpool hit-man (pictured) had an operation to correct the problem in his mid-section this week.

The 23-year-old sustained the injury in training two week ago and Vale boss Martin Foyle will have to do without the attacker's services for the upcoming Holiday fixture programme.

"He should be fit in four weeks after the operation," Foyle said.

"It's a big blow for him, he had injury blows last season and the year before and could do with having a spell of good fitness when he returns."

The injury may prove a setback in Armstrong's claims to earn a contract extension with the Potteries club.

The player's current deal expires at the season's end, with Armstrong having made just 11 appearances for The Valiants so far this term.