MICKEY Demetriou says Newport County AFC want to take their League Two form into the Checkatrade Trophy tonight and make progress in the competition.

County travel to the County Ground to take on Swindon Town in their first Trophy tie of the season this evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

With home matches still to come against Chelsea under-21s, who made the semi-finals last year, and League One Plymouth Argyle it is no easy group but Demetriou says the Exiles are determined to progress.

Last season Michael Flynn’s men lost all three games – at Forest Green Rovers and at home to Swansea City under-21s and Cheltenham Town.

But this year will be different, according to Demetriou.

The stand-in skipper told iFollow Exiles: “It’s a nice break from the league if we’re probably being honest.

“It gives us a little rest from the league, the pressure won’t be off though as we want to do well in the competition.

“We’re out of the Carabao Cup now so we want to get to the latter stages of this competition. Last year, we didn’t do very well but we want it this year.”

Flynn has said he will make changes but Demetriou is happy to play.

“We’ll have to see whether the gaffer keeps the same squad or he might make a couple of changes to give the boys a few minutes,” he said.

“We’ll have to wait and see on that but I’m sure whoever goes out there will give 100 per cent for the team.

“I’m not particularly fussed on having a rest, to be honest with you. If the gaffer comes to me and says that he wants to play, then I’ll obviously play and put in a performance for the team.”

County won home and away against the Robins last season but Demetriou is expecting a tough test against Phil Brown’s side tonight.

“We know Swindon are a very good team,” added the 28-year-old.

“We played really well against them last year, took all six points off them, so hopefully we can start off against them this year by winning a game in the cup and getting a couple of points in the group stage of the competition as well.”