NEW loan star Reece Grego-Cox made a big splash in his first appearance for Newport County AFC and now he wants to help the Exiles climb the League Two table.

The Queens Park Rangers forward was the star man in Saturday’s home clash with Barnet before the match was abandoned at half-time due to a waterlogged pitch at Rodney Parade.

Greg-Cox’s performance on the right wing made him an instant crowd favourite and the feeling was mutual.

“The fans were fantastic,” said the 19-year-old. “Even though it’s a small ground the noise that comes from the stands is fantastic.

“I wanted to make a strong first impression and get the fans buzzing on my side, show them what I’m capable of.

“The manager just said be positive in the final third and get at players and I felt like I did that.

“But down that right side the pitch was just flooded. The ball was holding up a lot and it was hard to do what I want to do.

“Obviously it’s disappointing but we’ll train hard and go again against Cheltenham.

“We just need to get some points on the board now.”

South Wales Argus:

Grego-Cox revealed that he nearly moved to Rodney Parade last season and he’s delighted to have finally made it to South Wales.

“It’s been on the cards for some time now,” he said. “Last season it was on the cards but I couldn’t come because of injury.

“But I’m glad I’m here now. I’m excited just to be playing.

“League Two is physical and obviously the conditions are a lot worse and it will be a good experience for me.

“I’m staying in a shared apartment with a few of the lads and they’ve welcomed me,” he added. “I’m settling in well.

“The more comfortable I am off the pitch the more comfortable I will get on the pitch and I can be more vocal.

“I think that is what I lacked [on Saturday] but I think that will come with more games and getting to know the lads better.”

Grego-Cox plays as a striker for QPR but he’s happy to play out wide for County, just like he does for Ireland under-21s.

“I enjoy it and I feel like I get more of the ball,” he said. “Especially in League Two when you’re up against 6ft+ centre-backs and they’re physical.

“I feel like I can get the ball to my feet out wide and do what I do best – drive at players.”