NEWPORT County AFC defender Andrew Hughes says his red card at Shrewsbury Town and subsequent three-game ban won’t change the way he plays the game.

The 22-year-old has been in superb form at the heart of the County defence this season but was forced to watch from the sidelines for two weeks after taking an overly aggressive approach to taming the Shrews last month.

He returned from his suspension with a goal from left wing-back in last week’s home win over York City last Saturday.

But, with Andy Sandell back from his ban for five yellow cards, Hughes is likely to return to central defence at Dagenham & Redbridge this afternoon.

And he won’t hold back on any tackles in his first away game since his early bath at Greenhous Meadow.

“It was very frustrating because I was just getting a bit of momentum going and then I found myself with a three-game ban,” said Hughes.

“At the time I didn’t think it was a red card; it was a definite yellow.

“I saw the replay and I think it looked worse than it actually was but I’m not going to back out of challenges.

“I’m a natural defender and if the ball is there to be won I’m going to try and win it.

“But I’m glad it’s behind me now,” he added. “Starting last week, getting a goal and playing well and getting the win was great and I couldn’t have asked for a better comeback.”

Hughes believes his form this season is the best since he first broke into the side back in 2010 and he’s not concerned by strong competition from the likes of Sandell, Darren Jones, Ismail Yakubu, Kevin Feely and Scott Tancock.

“I’ve been playing centre-half for most of my days here but if felt good to play on the left again and get a goal to help us win,” he said.

“I thought I played well and I’d say I’m playing as well as I have done.

“I’m feeling confident and I’ve got good experienced players around me like Jonesy, Yaks and Sands, which makes my job easier.

“We’ve got Kev back from his toe injury, Scott on loan from Swansea and Yaks is fit as well and now Sands is back from suspension.

“The competition is good because it keeps everyone on their toes and means everyone is giving their all in training.

“And with players coming in last weekend doing the job it’s going to be hard for anyone trying to come back in.”