RYAN Taylor believes Newport County AFC have the talent for a promotion push after the striker helped Plymouth out of League Two last season.

The 32-year-old forward headed to Rodney Parade this summer after helping the Pilgrims to head up to League One in 2019/20.

The Yorkshireman has enjoyed three promotions in his career and is confident of enjoying another with the Exiles, who entertain EFL new boys Barrow tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

"I couldn't believe the quality in the dressing room," said Taylor, who started off at Rotherham and has also played for Burton, Exeter, Bristol City, Portsmouth and Oxford before three years in Plymouth.

"I've been in and around squads that have been promoted and I don't think this one is much different.

"The quality in there is superb and I don't see any reason why we can't be competing at the top of the league come the end of the season.

South Wales Argus:

"I've only been here a short space of time but what I have seen up to now, I don't see any reason why we can't be up there challenging.

"That's one of the reasons why I came to the club - the manager is very ambitious. So am I and I want another promotion on my CV."

Taylor got up and running in County colours when he struck the opener at Scunthorpe last weekend, albeit the goal wasn't one that strikers dream off.

Tristan Abrahams celebrated in the corner after his backheel found the back of the net but he hadn't seen the ball deflect off his fellow forward's boot.

"It was a bit of a controversial goal but as every striker will say, the main thing is to get off the mark, especially on my league debut for the club," said Taylor.

"I touched it last! Tristan wasn't best pleased and was off celebrating. After the goal we were both laughing to each other. I obviously touched it last but he was off sliding on his knees celebrating!

"I celebrated in my head, don't worry about that! It was a strange goal but it's gone down as mine now.

South Wales Argus:

"I've got to push on now. There are five or six strikers so if you are not doing your job then you will find yourself out of the team.

"I missed the first three weeks of pre-season so in all honesty I am not match sharp, but that's something I will be looking to get over the next few weeks."

County beat Cambridge United 1-0 on Tuesday thanks to an 80th-minute cracker from Scott Twine but failed to make the most of their pressure.

The Exiles enjoyed 71 per cent possession and had 29 attempts on goal, with Taylor acknowledging the need to improve the conversion rate.

"The pressure is on. We have got the midfielders to produce chances and then it's up to us as strikers to compete with each other to get the two places that are up for grabs," said the striker, who came off the bench along with Saikou Janneh after Abrahams and Padraig Amond started.

"If you are not performing then you will find yourself out of the team, so you have to work hard in training and then produce the goods on a Saturday and Tuesday."

South Wales Argus:

County have played some terrific football in the opening weeks of the campaign but Taylor believes he can help them with a Plan B when the weather turns and pitches aren't as pristine.

"My game is not just about goals. I like to do the nitty gritty and I am quite an aggressive striker," he said.

"I am looking forward to showing everyone what I am about. I like the aggressive side of it and I don't mind a few elbows flying around."