Stockley was made Vale's club captain following his arrival from Wycombe

Port Vale defender Sam Stockley is hoping he will be involved in the game against Darlington on Saturday.

Stockley came on for the final 11 minutes of the 1-0 defeat against Dagenham & Redbridge, despite not originally being in the matchday squad.

The 31-year-old told BBC Radio Stoke: "Sometimes that's how quickly football can change. I wasn't in the starting 16, and then I ended up coming on.

"It's a stepping stone, I have to wait for my chance and then take it."

Vale have injury worries over defenders Lee Collins and Gareth Owen for the home game against the Quakers, which could open the door for Stockley to return to the starting line-up for the first time since 24 January.

The former Wycombe man has experienced a mixed nine months at Port Vale since moving to Vale Park on a free transfer in June 2008.

He was immediately installed by the then-manager Lee Sinnott as the club captain.

But after Sinnott's sacking in September, and a loss of form that coincided with a poor run of results for the team, he has struggled to secure a regular place.

Despite a difficult season, Stockley has said it has not dampened his love for the game.

"I haven't produced the level of football that I want to be producing," said Stockley.

"But I'm at that level now day in and day out in training, and I'm just waiting for the chance to play.

"I live and breathe football, it's my life. I'm 21, but I still feel like a 19-year-old coming in every day.

"It is difficult not being involved, but sometimes you learn more from your downs than your ups."

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