PROUD Welshman Scott Barrow admits he’s living the dream with Newport County in the Football League.

The 26-year old has joined the Exiles on a free transfer after a career in the lower leagues, most recently having been involved in a battle for promotion from the Conference with Macclesfield Town.

Barrow was signed by Tamworth in 2010 after being talent spotted playing for Welsh Premier League outfit Port Talbot Town.

And fresh from crashing home a 30-yard freekick against his former side in a pre-season friendly at the weekend, Barrow admits his transfer to a local Football League side is a dream outcome.

Ahead of tonight’s visit to Bath City (kick-off 7.45pm) Barrow also paid tribute to manager Terry Butcher.

“It is really good to be here, I am enjoying it, training is hard but we are having a bit of fun as well,” he said.

“The lads are gelling well and getting to know each other and the football is getting a little bit better. The more we play, the more all things will come.

“I’ve kept an eye on Newport in recent years, when I was at Tamworth we played them in the Conference South and it was good to see them go up.

“Getting into League Two after that was a fantastic achievement for Welsh football and obviously for myself, the opportunity to play in the Football League in Wales for a local team, I just couldn’t turn it down.

“My family are here and it’s something I wanted straight away, I couldn’t wait to sign.

“It is the dream move for me really, I have always backed myself that I can play in the Football League, but some bad injuries have set me back.

“I’ve got this chance now and want to take it and keep progressing.

“It’s all worked out well for me. When I signed I kept it from my parents for three days. They found out on Sky Sports news!

“My family are very proud, no more four-and-a-half hour trips for them. It is great to be back home.”

The lure of working with ex-England defender Butcher also resonated with Barrow.

“He’s a legend in football, once you know you’ve got a chance to play for him, a top class defender, you have to learn from him. It is the same with Russell Osman. We should learn so much,” the ex-Port Talbot man explained.”

“I enjoyed my time with Port Talbot, I had about five seasons here and it was nice to come back and play in front of the fans at the weekend.

“It was nice to score a goal as well. This ground is a bit of a fortress for me with scoring freekicks!”