Sports psychologist helped Vale's Waine 'dig in'

Port Vale midfielder Ben Waine says his work with a sports psychologist helped him "dig in" and believe he would get his chance in the first team again.

The New Zealander has made the most of his recall to the side after a three-month absence, scoring in each of his past three games.

His performances prompted Vale boss Darren Moore to praise Waine's determination to force his way back in.

Waine has been working with a psychologist through his connections with his national side for the past few years and he told BBC Radio Stoke that has kept him going through difficult times since joining in the summer.

"There were days when it was tough when you don't really see a path back in the team, but those are the days you have to dig in a bit more," he said.

"I'm big on the mental side of the game and I do a lot of work on that.

"I'm very lucky to be able to work with a very good psychologist back home. We talk every month or so but that's been going on for the last four or five years, working on mental tools. It's been a massive help."

After featuring in five of the first six league games of the season, Waine lost his place after the Vertu Trophy win over Leeds' Under-21 side at the start of September.

Recalled to the left-hand side of midfield - an unfamiliar position that Waine says is starting to feel "more natural" - goals have come against Barnsley in the Trophy, Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup and Luton in the league.

Although Waine is "very happy" with his personal form, he said improving on their struggles in League One is a "huge focus".

"The positive thing is we've got some momentum going into these next couple of games," he explained.

Vale's battling point against the Hatters was their first in three games as they try to close the seven-point gap to safety against Peterborough United - one of three above the relegation zone on goal difference - on Saturday [15:00 GMT].

"Everyone's aware [of the importance of Saturday's game], but that's a real positive and one of the reasons I'm looking forward to it," Waine said.