Port Vale supporters might have seen the last of inconsistent forward: View | OneFootball

Port Vale striker James Wilson is unlikely to play for the club again after suffering a muscle injury.

Manager Darren Moore described the injury as "a bitter blow" for his Port Vale team, who despite some improved performances of late are still desperately searching for goals in their bid to beat the League One drop.

It now means Vale are down to three recognised strikers - Ryan Loft, who has one goal this season, teenager Baylee Dipepa who has two goals, and Uche Ikpeazu who is just returning from injury and also has one league goal.

It's a poor situation that Vale find themselves in and once again reflects badly on former director of football David Flitcroft.

Wilson was originally released by Vale at the end of last season, only training with the club in the summer in a bid to remain fit.

However, such was Vale's desperation to find a striker capable of playing in League One they re-signed Wilson late in August - despite the striker having a history of injury issues.

Wilson was signed on a short-term deal until January, taking the number 29 shirt, and scored a decisive penalty in a 1-0 win against Carlisle United at the end of the month, telling The Sentinel: "I love being back".

However, disaster was to strike just weeks later.

James Wilson injury blow

Wilson suffered an injury that ruled him out of action for eight weeks, but despite this, upon his return in December, Flitcroft saw fit to offer the striker an extended deal until the end of the season.

There were concerns among fans that Flitcroft was tying up the budget on a striker who couldn't stay fit.

Indeed, Wilson's calf problem was the latest in a long line of niggling injury absences that had blighted his career.

League Two promotion campaign Wilson's stand-out season

Wilson's first season with his local team Port Vale - he grew up just six miles down the road in Biddulph - saw the club promoted through the League Two play-offs, with Wilson playing a major role.

It was the first time in his entire career, and at the 11th time of asking - that he had managed more than 24 league appearances in a single season, notching up 41 appearances and weighing in with nine goals.

He scored in both legs of the semi-final against Swindon Town, also keeping his nerve in the penalty shoot-out, and netted in the Wembley final, being in the right place at the right time for a close-range finish as Vale overcame Mansfield Town.

His League One stats have been less impressive, managing just eight goals across 52 inconsistent games in two seasons, but if this season is to be his last in a Vale shirt, he will be fondly remembered by fans for his play-off exploits.