NEWPORT County AFC have unearthed a gem of a signing in defender Ryan Jackson, according to hot shot striker Christian Jolley.

The 22-year old right back is a former teammate of Jolley’s at AFC Wimbledon and is set to sign for the Exiles today.

Last season a Macclesfield Town player, Jackson has also been on loan at Fleetwood Town and Cambridge United.

However, ace striker Jolley is certain that Jackson can not only cut the mustard in League Two, but is ready to put major pressure on skipper David Pipe for a starting berth.

“Ryan is someone I know well having played with him at Wimbledon and he’s an exceptional signing for us,” Jolley told the Argus.

“He’s a tremendous athlete, very intelligent, and the fitter he gets, the more likely he is to push Pipey (David Pipe) for a starting position.

“He’s a brilliant signing for us, we’re looking forward to welcoming him to the group.”

Jolley is also impressed with the other acquisitions from boss Justin Edinburgh.

“Alex Chapman is phenomenal on the ball, he’s technically an outstanding player and should be great for us strikers to play with.

“And then there is Harry Worley who brings just so much strength to our back four.

“He has size and presence and that’s what League Two is all about.”

However, perhaps unsurprisingly, the new recruit to really catch the eye of Jolley is fellow front man Chris Zebroski.

The well-travelled striker was Newport’s man of the match in Tuesday’s 3-3 draw with Reading U21s and is beginning to show why Edinburgh was so desperate to recruit him.

“Chris is different to our other strikers, he’s brilliant with a spot on work ethic, he can do stuff with his back to goal that me and the other strikers can’t.

“He’s an absolute work horse, you can see why the gaffer got him in because he will complement us very well.”