STRIKER Frank Nouble can’t wait to pull on a Newport County AFC shirt and show the fans what he can do as the Exiles start their pre-season programme on Friday night.

The former Chelsea and West Ham United front man is hoping to feature as County travel to Undy on Friday (kick-off 7pm) and Swindon Supermarine on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

Nouble left Southend United in May having made just five substitute appearances for the Shrimpers and he’s raring to go after two weeks of pre-season training.

“It’s gone well so far,” said the 25-year-old. “We’ve done a lot of running, which is not my favourite part of the year, but we’re getting the work done.

“This is my 10th pre-season and it doesn’t get easier but it’s going alright.

“I’m just looking forward to the games because so far we’ve been training without a game at the end of it.”

The Londoner of Ivorian descent has made County the 15th club of his senior career and he’s enjoying life in south Wales so far.

“The boys have been very welcoming to me as well so it’s been easy to settle in,” he said.

“I’ve been to a few clubs and I can settle in anywhere. I’ve known a player at every club I’ve been at and luckily I knew a few of the boys here already so that helps.

But I’ve always been the new boy in the classroom and this is just another classroom where I’ve got to come in and do my best.”

Asked about his decision to move to Newport, he added: “With every decision you make you’ve got to think about a lot of things.

“I’ve got family so I was thinking about them and obviously myself but it was quite an easy decision in the end.

“The manager sold it to me and I’m just happy to be here now and I just can’t wait to get going.

“I’ve been on loan to League Two with Gillingham but I didn’t really think about the level.

“As long as I’m playing and doing well the sky’s the limit.

“I’m just happy to be here so I can work hard for this team and enjoy myself.”