JJ Hooper: Port Vale striker praises his handling from boss Rob Page

JJ Hooper began his career on the books at Premier League Newcastle United

Port Vale striker JJ Hooper says he is grateful for the way manager Rob Page is developing his career.

Hooper, 22, joined Vale from Cheltenham Town last summer but has started 18 of his 21 games on the bench.

"Every player wants to play but you have to make the most of the time you get," Hooper told BBC Radio Stoke.

"When I first came I wasn't as sharp as everyone else but, the longer I've been here, the sharper I've become - I appreciate what the manager's done."

Hooper scored his second goal for Vale as they fought back from 2-0 down to grab three vital points with a 3-2 win at Peterborough last Saturday.

"Every striker wants more goals and I'm not happy with that [number of goals], there's room for improvement," Hooper added.

"Hopefully I've done enough to earn a start. We've been on a good run of form recently and hopefully that can continue."

Ninth-placed Vale are only three points outside the play-off places and take on League One leaders Burton at Vale Park on Saturday.