NEWPORT County AFC caretaker manager Michael Flynn has backed Mark Randall to play a big part in the battle to beat the drop – if he can keep up the form he showed at Exeter City on Saturday.

Randall made his first start since January 21 and helped the Exiles to a vital 1-0 win at St James Park – a result that lifts them to within three points of safety at the bottom of League Two.

The former Arsenal man was frozen out under previous manager Graham Westley and requested a transfer away from Rodney Parade.

But Flynn has welcomed him back into the fold and, after impressive cameos from the bench in recent weeks, Randall shone from the start in the Devon sun as County shocked play-off contenders Exeter on their own patch.

“I thought he was outstanding and I don’t know whether to kiss him or headbutt him,” said the caretaker boss in reference to Randall’s up and down debut season with the Exiles.

“He was the best player on the park by a country mile and when he plays like that he’s too good for this level but when he switches off he’s not good enough.

“He’s a fantastic footballer and he did the dirty side as well – following runners and putting his foot in.

“He was tired towards the end and it was the right thing to do to take him off with him on a yellow card as well.”

Tom Owen-Evans hit the winning goal on Saturday and the 20-year-old believes he can learn a lot from playing with Randall, who played in the Champions League for the Gunners before moving on to Chesterfield, MK Dons and Barnet.

“Rands is technically an unbelievable footballer,” said the academy graduate.

“He shouldn’t be playing at this level. He’s too good to be playing at this level.

“Obviously it was a nice pitch and good conditions so I thought, in the first half especially, we got the ball down and played good football.

“It was nice to be a part of and to play with him in midfield.”

With five games left to save themselves from relegation, starting at home to Yeovil Town on Friday afternoon, Flynn has challenged Randall to keep up his fine form for the run-in and help the Exiles stay up.

“He can be a huge asset,” said Flynn. “I would have loved his technical ability and I’m sure every other midfielder in the league would want it because it is outstanding.

“We just hope he keeps doing it with five games to go and then he can go and have a good holiday.”

County host Yeovil at 3pm on Good Friday before travelling to promotion-chasing Plymouth Argyle on Easter Monday for another 3pm kick-off.

Relegation rivals Hartlepool United host play-off contenders Carlisle United on Friday before visiting bottom club Leyton Orient on Monday.

Cheltenham Town, one point above Hartlepool and four clear of County, go to Crawley Town before hosting Grimsby Town.