Stockley keen to nail down Vale starting place

Jayden Stockley has scored 11 goals in 40 league appearances for Port Vale since signing from Fleetwood Town in the summer of 2024

Port Vale striker Jayden Stockley says now he is nearing full fitness he is determined to show he is worthy of a starting place in the club's competitive attack.

The 32-year-old is working his way back from an early-season injury and has featured in Vale's last two matches - the goalless draw in League One with Northampton Town before starting Tuesday's Vertu Trophy win against Accrington.

"I've been fit since the start of September and it's been a slow burner getting back into the squad and waiting for an opportunity," Stockley told BBC Radio Stoke.

"But, week by week, I'm getting sharper."

Stockley says being back in boss Darren Moore's first-team squad will also help hone his match sharpness.

"There's nothing like being out there - the last thing to come is your timing on the ball when those crosses come in, picking up the flight of the ball and trying to be aggressive," he said.

"That comes from just playing games and I'm thankful for the opportunities in the last few games."

Stockley said it was a "tough watch" not being fit but said it was vital that "you stay professional and try to make an impact and get into the gaffer's thinking".

"When you come off your levels there are people waiting in the wings which is how it should be," he added.

"I hope when I'm back up to 100% I don't give a reason to come out."

Jayden Stockley's 64th-minute goal put Port Vale on the way to promotion in their 2-0 win at AFC Wimbledon in April

Stockley hoping for more Plough Lane glory

Vale travel to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday hoping to extend their four-game unbeaten run in the league as they revisit the Cherry Red Records Stadium for the first time since clinching promotion there last season.

Stockley was among the scorers in Vale's 2-0 win that sealed their return to League One with a game to spare.

And he says he will draw on those memories.

"Wimbledon's been a club I've scored against a lot - I scored against them at home last season, and going into that game knowing it was a must-win for promotion, you do get good feelings about certain grounds," he said.

"They were so gracious last season allowing us to have our moment and continue our celebrations and to do what they did [win the play-off final] is testament to that club.

"We're both on good runs and it could be defined by really fine margins. Our details will have to be correct."