HOOPER’S HAPPY TO BIDE TIME

FEW players like sitting on the bench, but Port Vale striker JJ Hooper thanked manager Rob Page for using a patient approach with him.

Having been on the books at Newcastle United, Hooper, 22, arrived at Port Vale last summer from Cheltenham Town eager to play.

However, ahead of this weekend, he had started 18 of his 21 games from the bench – not that he is complaining.

“When I first came I wasn’t as sharp as everyone else but the longer I’ve been here, the sharper I’ve become,” he said.