Midfielder Scott Burgess says he's delighted to have marked his first Vale appearance with a goal and win against Macclesfield Town last night.
Having signed in May, Burgess had yet to make an appearance for the club before last nights Leasing.Com Trophy fixture against the Silkmen.
The midfielder was paired alongside fellow youngster and Nottingham Forest loanee, Jake Taylor, with both taking full advantage of their opportunity to start in the team by marking their appearances with a goal.
The 22 year old has had to bide his team and wait for his opportunity to show what he can do in the Vale side, and Burgess is now hoping he can kick on from last nights 3-2 win and get a chance in the league.
"It was nice to get the goal and get my first minutes for the team so I'm delighted with that. It was good to get on the ball and try and create for the team. That's what I want to do when I get my chance.
"Like you say I've been patient, working hard in training and the gaffers been encouraging me. I've had to be patient with the team, we've started reasonably well in the league so I've got my chance tonight and I'm glad I've had a good game."
"I've been eager to get my chance and to finally play tonight, hopefully I've shown the gaffer that I'm ready and capable to do that so hopefully I can get a chance in the league and prove it again."
One player that Burgess was keen to compliment for helping him during his debut for the club, was the experienced midfielder Luke Joyce who played in a deeper role last night.
Joyce, who recently hit 500 league appearances for his career when we played Exeter City last week, has received plenty of plaudits from his teammates for the important role that he players in that midfield.
At just 22 years old, Burgess felt having 32 year old Luke Joyce alongside him and Jake Taylor in the midfielder last night proved hugely beneficial for them and his experience is invaluable.
"It's massive. Joycey recently hit 500 league appearances in his career which is obviously a massive achievement so with him behind us he talks us through the game and he's a massive help.
"He's been a massive help through training in terms of giving me advice and helping me so it was really nice to have him behind us there throughtout the game. I thought there was a lot of space where I could link up with the likes of Joyce, Jake and Lloyd in midfield."