TOWN boss Paolo Di Canio believes Port Vale pose a real danger to Town’s title bid despite the fact they have nothing to play for as the season draws to a close.

The cash-strapped side can’t make the play-offs and currently sit 13th in the League Two table, but Di Canio is convinced the Vale players will be doing everything they can show the football world what they can do.

“They are under administration and a lot of them will be trying to prove their quality in every game to try and maybe get another contract,” he said. “When I was a player every time I played against the top side during the season, I wanted to prove I was better than the players in front of me individually, but also as a squad too.

“It is obvious we will perform well, but if we do not we could even lose. If you lack discipline and do not commit 100 per cent, not because my players are not professional, you can switch off.

“This is a very dangerous team and they have changed a lot since we last played them, and it will be very tough.

“But they will play freely in front of a full stadium even if they do not play at home, and they have nothing to lose so we must be careful.”

Di Canio looks set to welcome back striker Paul Benson for tomorrow’s game after the 32-year-old missed last Saturday’s trip to Gillingham with a tight hamstring, rather than the neck injury which has been troubling him in recent weeks.

“He was not out for the neck but because he had a little problem in his hamstring, but nothing serious. We preferred to not risk him because we preferred to have him for the last two games.

“But he will start training with the team now, and we are sure he will be ready for Saturday.”

Benson could be paired in attack with loanee John Bostock, who impressed Di Canio after he was given his first start in a role behind loan striker Alan Connell at Gillingham.

“It is obvious he was playing a bit different a position to what he normally plays, but I am not crazy and can see the quality he has.

“He wants to drop to receive the ball because he normally plays as a third midfielder in a 4-3-3 or behind two strikers, but I tried to convince him to play as a second striker and receive the ball more closer to the goal.

“He did the job very well and impressed me because of his commitment and desire.”