MIDFIELDER Mark Byrne is looking to get his spot back in the team after penning a new 18-month contract at Newport County AFC, writes Jay Bayford.

The 26-year-old extended his stay at Rodney Parade earlier this week having joined on a six-month contract from Barnet in July.

And, with his future now sorted, he is aiming to force his way back in the Justin Edinburgh’s starting XI having been on the bench in the Exiles last two matches.

“I just want to get back in to the team but we have good midfielders here,” said Byrne. “When people get injured, others come in and take their spot and do well.”

Exiles boss Edinburgh echoed Byrne’s thoughts now injuries have eased up.

“Byrne and Adam Chapman can’t get in to the team and that’s credit to the midfield. To keep probably the best two players at the start of the season out of the team is a testament to the team and them as individuals.”

Byrne is relishing County’s first home game in almost a month against Stevenage tomorrow and hoping for a bumper pre-Christmas crowd at Rodney Parade.

“For the first couple of games, we had a lot of fans here and against Exeter we reached 4,000, which is a great,” he said. “Hopefully we will have that again against Stevenage and we can pick up three points.”