NEWPORT County's new look squad has looked the business so far in pre-season and much of that is down to the six new faces boss Peter Nicholas has brought in for the Conference South push.

But another major plus point for the County chief has come from an unlikely source the emergence of Academy graduate Neil Passmore as a genuine first-team contender.

While big names such as Jason Bowen and Scott Young have grabbed the headlines, Passmore has slipped into the side with consummate ease, so much so he was offered a professional contract with County, which the Argus can reveal, he signed late last night.

The 18-year-old full back has been an ever-present in the absence of Gary Lloyd, who is on holiday, and County number two Glyn Jones admits he has staked his claim for a starting role.

Jones said: "Neil has come in and impressed. There is one more pre-season game to go and he has certainly given us a nice selection headache."

It is of no surprise to Jones that Passmore, nicknamed Starsky by team-mates due to his resemblance to the Starsky and Hutch actor Ben Stiller, is making such an impact.

He said: "I have had Neil for two years now and he has been excellent for the youth team, resulting in a call up for the Welsh School side.

"He was always a player that we believed would have a bright future.

"Now he has transferred that form into the first team and he does not look out of place. The other first team players, especially Roger Freestone who has been playing behind him, have been really impressed by his performances.

"There is still a lot to learn but he is going about it the right way.

"He is a smashing lad and it is always nice to see a player coming from within the club."

Jones added: "It shows you just how important the youth academy at Hartridge is and Neil is following in the footsteps of players like Nathan Davies, Gethyn Jones, Ashley Williams, John Phillips and Sam O'Sullivan.

"We're always willing to give young players a chance and if they impress they'll be in the squad."

The influx of players during the summer seems to have had a positive effect on the youngsters and Jones believes the kids can only get better in the company of Jason Bowen and co.

He said: "You can only do so much on the training ground, but once they go over the white line it is great that they have experienced players giving them advice and encouragement.

"Things are going well and the club has got it right regarding the infrastructure and also the youth team being in the Football League Alliance, so we now need to take that next step on the field."