Aaron Morley is looking to stay in the groove following his flying start to the season.
Morley has scored in Wanderers’ opening two league games to help the Whites collect four points from six.
The midfielder was given a mid-week breather as a much-changed line-up eased past Salford City in the Carabao Cup with an impressive 5-1 win on Tuesday night.
And even though the 22-year-old is likely to return at Vale Park after establishing himself firmly in Ian Evatt’s line-up, he knows he needs to keep producing the goods in a highly competitive midfield department.
“It’s a lot more dynamic this season. There are a lot more options,” said Morley, who has missed just one league game since his January arrival from Rochdale.
“Everyone can play in every position in the midfield, whether it’s deeper or higher up.
“And we’ve got a lot of options on the bench as well so hopefully it will be a good season for us.
“You have to put in everything in training and in the games to keep your shirt and hopefully I can do that.”
Morley and midfield colleague Kyle Dempsey have shared Wanderers’ league goals so far, before five different players got on the scoresheet in the cup.
Morley got off the mark for the season from the spot after taking on the job as penalty-taker before scoring his first ever goal at the University of Bolton Stadium with a cool finish in last weekend’s win over Wycombe Wanderers.
That meant a lot to him as he bids to add to his tally at Port Vale on Saturday and help Wanderers pick up a first away win after an opening-day draw at Ipswich Town.
“I’m buzzing. To get two in two is a great start for me and hopefully I can carry that on,” Morley added.
“Hearing the crowd chant your name is always amazing. Being my first goal in front of them was a great feeling and hopefully I can keep the goalscoring into the next few games.
“The crowd is amazing and hopefully they will come in their numbers to Port Vale.
“It’s going to be a tough game on a very big pitch but hopefully we can put in a performance like we did against Wycombe and come away with the three points.”