FIT-AGAIN Ryan Jackson is determined to win back his starting place for Newport County AFC after a frustrating period on the sidelines.

It’s been a stop-start season for Jackson after he finally saw off then-captain David Pipe in the last campaign to establish himself as one of the Exiles’ best performers.

The 24-year-old found himself on the bench in August as Robbie Willmott got the nod at right-back and then right wing-back in League Two.

Then, after forcing his way back into the starting XI following three defeats in the league, he was stopped in his tracks by a hamstring injury picked up in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat to Swindon Town.

Jackson missed the whole of October as County earned three wins, a draw and a solitary defeat and only returned to the side from the bench in last week’s FA Cup exit at Luton Town.

While Willmott looks to be out for the remainder of the season with a foot problem, Jackson is now competing with loan signing Curtis Obeng and new skipper Andy Sandell.

The former AFC Wimbledon man may not be quite ready to start against Exeter City at Rodney Parade tomorrow but he has warned the likes of Sandell and Obeng that he wants his place back as soon as possible.

“It’s great to be back. I’ve been out for a long time and it’s good to be back training with the boys and involved again on match days,” said Jackson.

“Injury-wise I don’t feel my hamstring anymore but it’s just about getting my fitness back now.

“I’ve been working hard in training and hopefully I’m close to starting games again.

“I thought I was playing well and I was starting lots of games so to get the setback like I did was very frustrating but that’s football.

“The gaffer has got a job to do and he obviously felt there was a need to bring people in but now I’m back I want that starting place,” he added.

“Competition is part of the game and it’s up to the gaffer to pick the team.

“All I can do is work hard and play well when I get the chance and make sure I contribute to the team.”

Tomorrow’s visitors will be eager to make amends for their own FA Cup defeat to minnows Warrington Town live on BBC TV but Jackson says the Exiles want to add to their pain.

“Exeter will probably try to come out firing after losing in the cup,” he said.

“But, to be honest, we always try to concentrate on what we will do and hopefully we can get the three points.”