BINGO CROSBY

Vale boss plotting historic semi spot... and vows to get his loan stars a ticket if their clubs come calling

- IAN WHITTELL

Port Vale v Middlesbrough 7.45pm

PORT VALE manager Andy Crosby jokes he will make sure his Premier League loan stars get a ticket for the Carabao Cup semi-final if his side pull off another upset tonight.

League One Vale are in the quarter-finals of a major cup competition for the first time, facing Championship Middlesbrough at Vale Park.

It sets up the possibility of an incredible semi-final date in the new year, although four of Crosby's loanees could, in theory, have been recalled by then.

Tottenham starlet Alfie Devine, Sheffield United midfielder Oli Arblaster and Crystal Palace defender Kofi Balmer (third, right), as well as Josh Thomas (bottom) from Championship Swansea, have all impressed this season.

All have recall clauses with their parent clubs next month, which could mean heartache if Vale win tonight, although Crosby admits they are in the hands of the big boys. Crosby joked: "We'd invite them back to watch the game.