Port Vale midfielder Danny Whitaker hopes Saturday's man-of-the-match performance against Millwall can be a turning point in his season.Whitaker starred as the Valiants recorded a 3-1 victory over the Lions which moved them off the bottom of League One and gave boss Lee Sinnott a first home win.

The 27-year-old came in for criticism from fans for his performances earlier in the season but insisted he has always had faith in his ability.

He told the Sentinel: "It was amazing, especially with what I have been through. But the main thing is we have got the win and hopefully that will kick start the rest of the season. It has been hard for me.

"You don't mind a bit of criticism when the team isn't doing well, but I have got through it and hopefully that will continue. I have always believed in my ability. I haven't been playing as well as I can and neither has the team.

"But we have been unlucky in the last few games not to come away with the win which we have badly needed. The manager has brought in new players and I think that has helped. It lifted us in training and we took that into this game."

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