Luke Rodgers has scored five goals for the Valiants this season

Port Vale striker Luke Rodgers admits that he was frustrated to be left on the bench for Saturday's 3-0 home defeat by Brentford at Vale Park.

Rodgers, who has been linked with a move to Yeovil, had to watch on as fellow subs Danny Glover and James Lawrie were used ahead of him.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "I've been scoring goals and playing well.

"The manager picks the team, so what can I do about it? I really don't know. It seems strange."

Vale assistant manager Ian Brightwell insisted that the decision not to use Rodgers had nothing to do with the speculation linking him with a move away from Vale Park.

"It was a horses-for-courses decision," said Brightwell. "Unfortunately for Luke it was Danny Glover that went on. There was nothing sinister in it."

It had been thought that Rodgers was close to joining the Glovers on an initial one-month loan, with a view to permanent move. But the deal fell through because the two clubs could not agree a fee for the 26-year-old.

"Every player has their price," said Brightwell. "But, until anything is signed, Luke is still a Port Vale player."

Rodgers, who joined the Valiants from Crewe in January 2007, has stated that he would be happy to stay in Burslem.

"I love the club, the fans are brilliant and there's some really good lads in the team," he said.

"But I think there's a bit of a problem at the minute so I'll have to wait and see what happens."

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