NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn and Great Escape goal hero Mark O’Brien are convinced they can keep former Exiles loan star Alex Samuel quiet on Saturday.

Samuel was a key part of the Exiles’ successful battle against relegation after moving to Rodney Parade from Swansea City on loan in January.

The 21-year-old forward scored just twice in 18 appearances at the end of last season but he made a big impact on Flynn, his teammates and on the County fans.

Flynn was keen to sign Samuel on a permanent basis but the youngster instead agreed a two-year deal with League Two rivals Stevenage.

And he’s set to make his competitive debut for Boro against County in Saturday’s season opener.

He’ll be determined to show the home fans what he can do at the Lamex Stadium but his former teammates and manager will be doing everything in their power to stop him.

“It will be good to see Alex but he’s like any other player in the league now and I’m sure he’s going to be in for a tough afternoon,” said Flynn.

“The players know him. They know what his strengths and weaknesses are and hopefully he has an off game, our defenders do their job and he gets substituted after an hour.”

Samuel missed the final day victory over Notts County due to injury.

Defender O’Brien scored the last-gasp winner to keep the Exiles up but he’ll be desperate for a clean sheet today.

And he’s ready for the challenge of facing Samuel after numerous battles on the training pitch earlier this year.

“We’re looking forward to the test,” said O’Brien.

“We’ve trained with him for the whole period of time he was here.

“We know he’s a good player and he loves working very hard.

“We know what his strengths and weaknesses are and how we can cope with him, what plays into his hands and what doesn’t.

“But we can only go out and concentrate on our own game.”