Waine's work ethic an example to others - Moore

Port Vale manager Darren Moore has said rejuvenated midfielder Ben Waine is an example to fringe players searching for a first-team spot.

Waine, who joined from Plymouth in July, has scored in three straight games since his recall after a three-month spell without a first-team appearance.

After netting in back-to-back cup games, the New Zealand international's first league goal for the Valiants, against Luton on Saturday, helped his struggling side break a six-game goalless drought in League One.

"He came to the football club and it probably didn't go as well in the first couple of weeks, but what people won't see is the work he's done behind the scenes to get himself back into it," Moore told BBC Radio Stoke.

"We're so pleased for him because he epitomises any player that's not been in our team.

"He's showcased that it's about working hard and getting the just rewards, and he's certainly getting them at the moment."

Devante Cole also chipped in with his seventh goal of the season - and his first league strike since 11 October - as Vale fought back from 1-0 down to lead 2-1.

Yet Moore was disappointed that his struggling side - the lowest scorers in the division with 13 goals in 19 matches - did not add to the lead before Luton hit back to earn a point.

The draw kept Vale bottom and left them seven points adrift of safety as they approach the midway point of the season.

Midfielders Funso Ojo and George Byers, and defender Kyle John will all be assessed after picking up knocks at Kenilworth Road.

But Moore was keen to take the positives from the performance despite "two dropped points".

"It shows a fighting spirit within the group, a togetherness," he added.

"We know the situation and the noise around it, but hopefully what you saw was a group committed to the cause.

"We understand the situation we're in and we'll keep fighting."