Jordan Cook loved his Walsall double
Match-winner Jordan Cook admitted he was delighted to give Walsall's fans an early Christmas present by scoring both goals in the 2-0 win over Port Vale.
The Saddlers striker came off the bench to devastating effect in yesterday's League One clash to ensure Sean O'Driscoll began life at the Banks's with a win.
Cook entered the fray after an hour, having being left on the bench, but the forward refused to let the decision to go with Milan Lalkovic affect his confidence.
He said: "When I heard I wasn't starting, I got the reasons why and as a professional I had to agree to disagree. I was very disappointed – I think anyone would be.
"But, before I went onto the field, Sean said to me 'go out there, get a goal and win this.' To go on and get two goals, I was absolutely delighted.
"I have said all along that I know I can do it, it's just been a case of being in the right place at the right time and then finishing like I know I can.
"It was a great early Christmas present for me, the new manager and the fans."
Cook's second and third goals of the season came after O'Driscoll switched to playing with two strikers.
And the 25-year-old, who has come under criticism from Saddlers fans for his lack of goals, believes supporters will see the best of him when he is paired in a forward role.
He said: "I want to play up front but I want to play up front in a two.
"I feel I am better playing in a two and I think every striker likes playing that way because you know you are going to get more support.
"Walsall, for as long as I have been here, have always largely played one up front. When we switched it, we showed we can change things up.
"I don't think Port Vale expected it at all. They kept leaving us two versus two and if me and Milan get that chance then we back ourselves all day long."
