NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn added another striker to his squad on Tuesday before launching a staunch defence of Frank Nouble, who has now gone 10 games without scoring.

Nouble netted five times in his first four starts to win the League Two player of the month award for August but it’s now more than seven weeks since his stunning hat-trick against Chesterfield.

The signing of free agent Paul Hayes and the form of loan star Shawn McCoulsky, who is now level with Padraig Amond on six goals, gives Flynn options up front.

But the Exiles boss was quick to praise Nouble after the 2-1 home defeat to Colchester United.

“Frank created a couple of good chances for his teammates and I’m sure he’ll be back on the goal trail sooner rather than later,” he said.

“It probably is weighing on his mind but I don’t think it’s altered his game too much.

“He’s a handful and they had to double up on him and foul him.

“He’s always keeping the opposition on the back foot and he had another assist on Saturday [at Forest Green Rovers].

“His attitude is always spot on and I’ll start worrying when he’s not putting in a shift.”

South Wales Argus:

Former Wycombe striker Hayes offers back-up and competition for Nouble, according to Flynn.

“If anything happened to big Frank we wouldn’t really have that physical presence up there so Paul fits that bill and gives us competition,” said the manager, who contacted the 34-year-old free agent via social networking site LinkedIn.

“I’ve known Paul for years from playing against him and he’s always been a good player, a good pro, and I had a request off him,” he explained.

“So I sent him a message and the rest is history.

“I’m glad to have him on board because he gives us more competition up front.

“He’s going to bring experience, a good attitude and a hungry desire and he’s going to bring some quality.

“I want competition for places up front because we haven’t really had it, apart from Shawn who is coming on and putting pressure on as well so fair play to him.”

South Wales Argus:

Hayes (above) was released by Wycombe at the end of August and was considering a move to National League South side Hemel Hempstead Town while keeping himself fit at former club Charlton Athletic.

“He’s only just left Wycombe and he’s been training with Charlton,” said Flynn.

“Is he going to run the channels for 90 minutes and be a pain in behind defences? No. I haven’t brought him here for that.

“I’ve brought him here for his experience, his game-management and to put those chances away in the box on a regular basis.

“He’s had a very good career,” he added. “He’s been in the Championship, in League One and he’s played a lot of games at the top of League Two.

“I want the right people at the football club and Paul fits the bill.”