Rodgers joy at comeback goal

Luke Rodgers was Vale's top scorer last season with 12 goals (Getty)

Port Vale's Luke Rodgers marked his comeback from injury with a goal and is hopeful it will be the first of many.

The 26-year-old striker missed a lot of pre-season training because he was recovering from a hernia operation.

He came off the bench to equalise in the Carling Cup tie with Sheffield United, but Vale eventually lost 3-1.

"I've been injured for ages now, and have finally got back," he told BBC Radio Stoke. "It's brilliant to come on and score, and I want to keep that up."

Rodgers added: "I've worked hard to get back my fitness, and it's dedicated to the physio John Bower - he's helped me loads."

"I was going to have an operation which would've kept me out for three months. It was his decision to take me to see someone else, and I was out for just two weeks."

After two substitute appearances, Rodgers is now hopeful of playing a full 90 minutes and believes he can forge a successful striking partnership with Marc Richards.

"Last season he had injuries, but now he's injury-free everyone is seeing what a class player he is," said Rodgers. "All the fans are on his side."