TEENAGER Tom Owen-Evans is aiming to convince manager Warren Feeney that he has a future at Newport County AFC when he takes on Notts County tomorrow.

Owen-Evans looks set to start in the final home game of the season as Feeney experiments having secured the club’s League Two status.

The 19-year-old has made 17 appearances in a breakthrough campaign but has not started a match since the final game of Terry Butcher’s brief reign in September.

And he’s hoping that tomorrow is the day he gets to show what he can do from the start having come off the bench 12 times.

“I don’t know yet but I’m hoping I start,” said Owen-Evans.

“I’ve seen in the Argus that the manager is going to play a few of the younger players so hopefully that includes me.

“I was playing at the start of the season, which was good for me,” he added.

“I started five games and loved it. It was great for my development.

“Then when John Sheridan came in as manager it was quite hard.

“We needed experience to get us out of a hole and it’s been tough since October but it’s been a good challenge and I think I’ve done well.

“John Sheridan spoke to me a few times and said ‘I rate you but the situation we’re in it’s hard for me to play you’ so that was good. It’s nice to know where you stand.”

The Bristol-born academy graduate says he has benefited from the experience gained this season.

“I’ve got 17 appearances and if someone had told me that at the start I would have snatched their hand off,” he said.

“When you’re in the team it makes you want more and more but 17 appearances is fantastic. I’ve learned a lot.

“In football there are a lot of ups and downs and you’ve got to work as hard as you can and try to be the best that you can.

“With Regan [Poole] and Azza [Aaron Collins] going it’s good for the club that young players are still coming through and I hear the support from the fans.

“They chant my name, which is really good for me as a young player.

“I want to do well and the pressure is off a little bit now – we can go out and express ourselves.

“But the players that are going to be here next season want to build some momentum.

“I want to give the manager food for thought for next season.

“Hopefully I’m here. I’m not sure what is happening yet but this is 100 per cent where I want to be next season.”