Source: Team_Talk
Midfielder fitness boost for Vale
The midfielder, 34, has struggled with injuries over the last 18 months but after recovering from his latest setback, a medial cartilage tear in his knee that sidelined him for two months, he played the first hour of Vale's 1-0 reserve-team victory over Sheffield United.
Brammer, who has been scouting Vale's opponents while out injured, is now hoping he can do enough during the remaining nine games to earn an extension to his existing deal which runs out this summer.
He told The Sentinel: "Sentiment is fine in football, but I've got to prove I'm worth the financial risk. A club has got to make sure their playing staff are on the pitch longer than they're off of it. So I've got to prove I'm not a risk in terms of how long I'm sitting on the sidelines.
"I'm sure Dean knows it's not through a lack of effort. I've just been unlucky and hopefully I'll now get a break and stay fit. But ultimately I've got to prove I can stay on the pitch."
Reserve coach Mark Grew added: "It was important Dave got through the game. We wanted him to get 60 minutes under his belt. He would have been disappointed with a few stray passes he made but you do go a bit rusty after six weeks out. But he got through and his knee seems to be okay."
