David Artell has said that he is not surprised that his veteran forward Chris Porter continues to scores goals. The 35-year-old striker scored his 10th goal of the season in what his 100th appearance for the club in the 4-1 defeat at Northampton and the Alex boss has hailed the professionalism of the former Sheffield United and Derby County man.
Artell told the club’s official website: “Chris has scored 37 goals in 100 games and that is a good stat. That’s good enough and he has been great for us. He was probably our best player on Saturday and he got another goal, a real poachers’ goal from a corner. That is what he is about. He is a goalscorer and what’s that for the season now? He is in double figures.
“If he carries on then we will have that 20 goals a season man that everyone is after. We need the others to chip in as well.
“Chris had to adjust his game over the last 18 months because we didn’t want him running all over the place and he is reaping the rewards of that. His body doesn’t let him do the things he used to do but he is a goalscorer and he has continued to score goals here.
“He is a bright bloke, and has a lot of experience. He is very coachable. He listens, takes things on board and learns quickly. He knows that it is for his benefit.
“Most strikers want to be known for their goals and Chris is the same. He has always scored goals and we sat down with him and just said if you do this, this and this then you will get your goals and that is how it has worked out.
The boss added: “He is a top professional and he is doing great things at the age he is at. We just have to make sure we don’t become over reliant on him.”