Richards has made just seven starts for Vale this season (Getty)

The 25-year-old has missed the last nine games with an ankle injury.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "It's a big disappointment when I'm not on the scoresheet. When I play I expect to score goals."

"It's been a bad season for me, but it's now may aim to get back in the team and find the back of the net."

Richards joined Vale on a free transfer from Barnsley in summer 2007 but has endured a frustrating time with injuries.

The striker is hopeful of making his latest comeback against Millwall on Saturday.

We're 12 points from safety but if we put a run together we can get out of trouble Marc Richards

"Training has gone well over the last ten days.

"The ankle is still sore but I think it will be that way until the end of the season. I'm looking forward to being involved against Millwall" he said.

On Vale's fight against relegation, Richards said the whole squad remains optimistic: "We're 12 points from safety but if we put a run together we can get out of trouble.

"Hopefully that will start on Saturday against Millwall and we can kick on from there."