PORT Vale have added former Portsmouth and Ipswich striker Ellis Harrison on the eve of their game against Wanderers.

The 28-year-old had scored six times in 20 appearances for Fleetwood and began his career under Vale boss Darrell Clarke at Bristol Rovers.

"I know a lot about Ellis because I made him, no disrespect to him, but Ellis would tell you that himself," Clarke said.

"He's a physical presence, he can run, and he has a lot of excellent elements to his game, especially once we have the hunger back into his game and he'll be a very good talent for us.

"When I had him at Bristol Rovers, we ended up selling him for a large fee to Ipswich, so I know very well about all his strengths, his character, how he is around the dressing room and that he is a winner."

“He also brings with him that pedigree at the League One level, and I know he is coming in hungry and ready to give his all.

“I know he’ll liven up some of the group too with his bad banter as well!

“So, we’re really pleased to have been able to have gotten this bit of business done.”

Vale went out of the Carabao Cup in midweek with a 2-1 home defeat to Rotherham United and will be looking to bounce back after a 4-0 hammering against Exeter City in League One last weekend.

Clarke is bringing back a handful of injured players and is still missing last season’s top scorer James Wilson with a calf tear.

Vale made seven changes for the cup game in midweek and Clarke maintained the performance was a positive one.

“I just feel we are suffering a little bit,” he said after the Rotherham defeat. “I know the reasons why and sometimes you need to suffer before you get where you need to be. There were a lot of lads getting minutes, a lot of lads returning to full time competitive football after injuries.

“We are a little bit behind where we would like to be on that front, but I thought there were promising signs in the second half.

“There are a lot of positives I see within the group, it is just a case that sometimes you have to suffer a little bit until you get where you need to be.

“First and foremost it is important to get the balance right where I have to get players up to the match minutes. There are some very talented players. I know exactly what all my players give me, but I also know there are quite a few lacking those minutes needed in a game like tonight.”