Jordan Cook happy to be in Walsall mix

Cook's brace won the game against Port Vale on Sunday after he was brought on in the second-half, as new Saddlers boss Sean O'Driscoll went with two up front and saw the ploy pay off.

And north easterner Cook reckons the change of tactics suited him and is happy to grab his chances as they came along.

The 25-year-old said: "I will take anything. I will take a 30-yard screamer or I'll take one off my backside.

"For the second one on Sunday, I just remember it bouncing and I managed to react before one of the defenders. I just made sure it went in by hitting it hard.

"The first one was just a reaction. I might have been a tiny bit offside but I couldn't care less. As long as it gets given I am happy."

Cook has found his chances as an out-and-out goalscorer limited with Tom Bradshaw or Milan Lalkovic preferred up as a sole striker.

But he insists his attitude won't be affected by spells out of the side or by playing out of his preferred position.

Cook would rather play as part of a front two, but is happy to play whatever role asked of him.

He said: "I played up front in a two for the first game of the season against Oldham with Tom and I thought we caused problems.

"It was the same at Scunthorpe. We played two up top and I did well.

"But the way we have been playing, we have been that comfortable and that solid with the 3-5-2 and the 4-1-4-1 that I think the tweak made a big difference.

"The new gaffer, Sean O'Driscoll, told us he doesn't want to change much, but just the odd little thing here or there could decide games.

"I think what he did against Port Vale has paid off. I feel I am better as a striker playing in a two.

"I think every striker likes playing in a two just because you know you are going to get more support."

He added: "A lot of people say how professional I am and how I go about every game whether I am playing or I'm not playing.

"I always feel privileged and my dad always tells me it's a privilege to be where I am.

"So many kids don't make it as professionals so it's important you take every day by the scruff of the neck and do the best you can. That is the attitude I try to have every day."

Asked about how he deals with keyboard warriors who have targeted him on social media for a lack of goals, Cook remains philosophical.

He said: "You are never going to get 100 per cent of fans behind you at any club, everyone has their own opinion.

"But I don't mind banter. I know when I am playing well and when I'm not playing well and I am my harshest critic."

However, boss O'Driscoll was impressed with Cook's impact, saying: "I think he was quite surprised when he came on that we weren't going to put Milan out wide.

"I told him to play off the shoulder and, all of a sudden, their two centre-halves had a different problem.

"It will do his confidence the world of good, strikers thrive on confidence and his general play was good as well."