Jordan Cook targeting 'payback' for Walsall

The forward admits players were left hurt by the 4-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of the Dale three weeks ago.

And he says they are eager to redress the balance at Spotland in tonight's Johnstone's Paint Trophy second round tie.

Cook is hoping to make his first start tonight since arriving to the Banks's Stadium in the summer.

He said: "The lads have been speaking about this game and we feel we have a point to prove now, especially against a team who have beaten us 4-0.

"Obviously, there is a personal aspect for me coming back and knowing I have a chance to play more games – I just want to get on the team sheet and score.

"But for the team itself when you get beaten 4-0, it hurts. You could see afterward when you looked at the lads how much it hurt them. We are just looking to go and get some payback."

Cook is back in contention after recovering from a hairline fracture of his right ankle sustained during a pre-season friendly at Torquay.

The 24-year-old, who signed a two-year deal in July after leaving Championship Charlton, made his debut as a substitute in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Bristol City.

Cook is not the only player to have escaped the treatment room in recent weeks, with both James Chambers and Ben Purkiss back in contention.

And the former Sunderland ace believes manager Dean Smith is being left with a nice headache.

Cook said: "In training sessions we are really flying and I feel a little sorry for the gaffer having to pick 11 out of the 25 or 26 we had the other day.

"Everyone is firing, even in the reserve games the young lads are all looking to make a step up again."