PADRAIG Amond says tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy clash with Swansea City under-21s is a chance for fringe players to force their way into the Newport County AFC starting XI for Saturday’s League Two trip to Forest Green Rovers.

Amond scored the opener as County beat Yeovil Town 2-0 at the weekend and he’s expected to be rested for tonight’s game at Rodney Parade (kick-off 7.30pm).

But the Irishman recognises the importance of keeping the Exiles’ winning momentum going and earning £10,000 in prize money against the Swansea academy stars.

“It’s going to be a chance for some of the lads that are on the fringes to have a run out,” Amond told iFollow Exiles.

“We played Forest Green in the last round and in the first-half we were OK but second-half we probably let ourselves down a little bit.

“We want to win the game because it’s a good money-maker for the club.

“There’s decent prize money for winning games so we want to win the game.

“Obviously, the league is the bread and butter and that’s the one you concentrate on the most but we want the momentum to keep going and keep that home record going as-well.”

Michael Flynn’s men have not lost at Rodney Parade since March and Amond has scored all four of his goals at home.

“I joked to the gaffer last week saying that he should just play me in home games,” he added.

“It’s just one of those things where we are very comfortable at home in possession of the ball and we look very good and create lots of chances.

“We do that away as well, last week [defeat at Luton Town] was a blip for us.

“We haven’t taken a few chances away from home but I’m really pleased with how it’s going so far at the club.

“I want to build on it, I want to score away from home as well but if I only score at home games and end up with 20 goals a season I’d be very pleased with that.”

Amond, who arrived from Hartlepool United in August, has made himself at home on the pitch in Newport and now he’s enjoying some home comforts off the pitch as well after moving into a new house with his partner Caoimhe.

“It’s a big thing for me because obviously I’ve been living in a hotel for the last six weeks,” he said.

“I moved in [last] Monday, me and my girlfriend, so we’ve both relocated here. Honestly, I’m so happy there, the area is lovely.

“It’s just the little things I suppose, when you’re in your own house then you can cook your own food, you’re not eating out all the time because you’re in a hotel so it makes things a lot easier.

“I didn’t want to rush into it because I needed to make sure it was the right place and I’m really happy that we’re settled now.”