NEWPORT County boss John Sheridan wants his side to prove they are full of confidence as they prepare to take on high-flying Oxford United.

County travel to the Kassam Stadium tomorrow evening on the back of a seven-game undefeated run and Sheridan is keen for his side to continue showing their credentials.

The Exiles were the better side in Saturday’s battling point with Yeovil, but are still struggling to get winning returns in front of their own fans.

“Oxford will be tough, we respect them greatly, they are at the top for a reason, and they are a good team with good players,” he said.

“But just because we respect them doesn’t mean we fear them, we have been competing very well with teams in the top half ever since I arrived here.

“I think Yeovil was the only game we’ve played against one of the sides around us in the bottom half, so we’ll go there and try to win. It’s the start of a really tough week for us, but I’m generally happy with how we are performing.

“I think how we played on Saturday would win us a lot of games in this division.

“So I’m taking positives ahead of Oxford.”

Sheridan insists County will look for three points and wouldn’t try to park the bus.

“We are playing on the front foot at the moment, with a good purpose about our game,” he said.

“We were chasing the three points Saturday, I didn’t really want to make substitutions but tried to put more attack minded players in there. We tried one or two things to win it, but just didn’t get the one little break needed.”

Sheridan admits he’s enjoying a continual selection dilemma, with midfield a particular problem at the moment with fierce competition for a starting berth.

“Rodders has come in and done well and he can counteract pace down the right flank. His performances have merited him staying in the side,” he said.

“Tommy O’Sullivan is unlucky, he’s been playing well for us but went away with Wales and we’ve done well without him. Likewise, Yan Klukowski is also unlucky, because he’s scored two good goals for us.

“I’m comfortable playing any of them, I made the decision I made on Saturday, but they are all in contention for Oxford.”

Sheridan was also thrilled with the return of defender Andrew Hughes, after an 11-month injury layoff.

“Good for Hughesy, I’d have liked him to have one or two more reserve games (before starting him), but I thought he fitted in, he’s decent on the ball,” he said.

“It’s like having a new signing.

“It’s so hard after a prolonged period on the sidelines; but I thought he looked comfortable.”