MICHAEL Flynn admits that scoring goals was a big problem for Newport County AFC last season but he expects his new signings to make that concern a thing of the past.

Loan stars Rhys Healey and Josh Sheehan were the Exiles’ top scorers in 2016-2017 with seven apiece, while midfielder Sean Rigg chipped in with six and defender Mickey Demetriou four.

Jon Parkin and Ryan Bird, both of whom have now left the club, netted four times each.

Fellow strikers Aaron Williams and Marlon Jackson, who both remain at Rodney Parade, scored three and one respectively.

But with new front men Frank Nouble, Lamar Reynolds and Shawn McCoulsky competing for starting spots at Stevenage tomorrow, Flynn is confident his team will have more of a cutting edge this season.

“It was a problem last season,” said the manager. “Seven goals for your top scorer is not good enough.

“I thought we lacked pace last season and I’ve addressed that.

“It’s down to these players now to score the goals.

“We’ve got a bit of competition now all around the pitch and they’ve got to produce the goods to stay in the team.

“Frank has been brilliant since he’s been here,” he added. “He comes with a good reputation, he’s had a good career, he’s played for a lot of clubs and I’m looking forward to seeing him in [competitive] action.

“He’s a stone lighter than he was last season at Gillingham, which is a plus.

“He’s not missed a day’s training, he’s worked hard in pre-season and he has the right attitude.

“I’m sure he can help a few of the youngsters as well. He’s at that stage now where he’s matured and he wants to do well for himself and his family as well.”

South Wales Argus:

Nouble and Reynolds (above), McCoulsky and fellow new signings Robbie Willmott, Matty Dolan, David Pipe and Ben White are all in contention to feature at the Lamex Stadium.

But new left-back Calaum Jahraldo-Martin, who signed a one-year deal on Thursday after a successful trial, may miss out due to international clearance issues.

Asked about loan signings McCoulsky and White, Flynn suggested they may have to wait for their chance to start.

“They’re in contention. Whether they start or not is a different story,” he said.

“They’ve been in for a couple of days but I’ve been really happy with the boys in pre-season so they’ve got to do something special to get in the team for Saturday.

“But they are players who I know will improve us over the course of the season and I think they’ll only need one or two chances and they’ll cement their places because they’ve got bright futures, the pair of them.

“I’m near enough there with the starting XI now,” he added on Thursday. “There’s probably one, maybe two positions where we’ll see how it goes over the next couple of days but I think we’re nearly there.”

Only Jackson and midfielder Ben Tozer are ruled out through injury this weekend.

“They are both improving this week,” said Flynn. “They’re not a million miles away and as soon as they’re back it’s a healthy squad, with possibly one or two more as well.”