Port Vale will be without Sam Stockley for their FA Cup first-round tie against Stevenage after he was forced to retire earlier this week.

The right wing-back, 32, has made 11 starts this season, including last weekend's 1-1 draw at League Two high-flyers Dagenham, but problems with his eyesight have meant he has had to make the difficult decision to hang up his boots.

His absence could create an opening for Adam Yates, who has not started a game since mid-September.

Forward Lewis Haldane has been granted permission to play by parent club Bristol Rovers, just days after extending his loan stay at Vale Park.

Fellow midfielder Anthony Griffith is also available having missed last Saturday's draw at Victoria Road due to suspension.

Striker Geoff Horsfield (groin) remains sidelined while the game is likely to come too soon for midfielder Doug Loft (calf) despite his return to training. On-loan left-back Damien McCrory has also returned to Plymouth.