Newport County manager Michael Flynn believes winger can shine in League Two

Reynolds has endured a difficult start to his first season as a professional footballer.

The 22-year-old arrived at Rodney Parade from Brentwood Town in the summer, signing a two-year contract after impressing at Jamie Vardy’s V9 Academy.

But, after several eye-catching performances in pre-season, he has struggled to shine in competitive action for his new club.

Reynolds has not started a league match since the opening day of the season and his progress has been stalled by a thigh injury and an apparent lack of confidence.

But the winger was the stand-out player for the Exiles in Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy defeat to Swansea City under-21s.

Reynolds twice went close to opening the scoring and created numerous chances that were squandered before the visitors claimed victory thanks to a late own goal from the unfortunate Jay Foulston.

“I thought Lamar was unplayable in the first half,” said Flynn.

“We created chance after chance and we didn’t put them away.

“If I was Lamar I’d be fuming that I didn’t have assists for four goals.

“I thought he was outstanding. He was a little bit quieter in the second half but he still put in some very good crosses.

“He impressed me, I’ll be honest, because he hasn’t been at that level for a while now.”

And Flynn feels that Reynolds is now ready to make the step up to League Two football as long as he believes in his ability and keeps listening to the advice from the coaching staff.

“I’m getting a little bit fed up of telling him what he is good at,” said the Exiles boss.

“He’s so quick on his feet and when he runs at people he doesn’t give them a chance. He can go left or right, get a cross in or get a shot off.

“It’s when he slows down and gives them a chance and starts getting comfortable that he struggles.

“He’s got to keep doing what I’m asking and stay injury free and he’s going to get a lot more minutes."

But, as well as praise, Flynn also issued a warning to Reynolds.

“He’s had a big step up and it’s going to take time but from what I saw in pre-season and at Southend and at Leeds [in the Carabao Cup] he showed that he can step up a few levels," he said.

“So he’s got it in him but we just need him to focus and realise that his career can easily go one of two ways.

“He can either keep going up and up and up or he’ll quite quickly go back to where he was.

“He can definitely make an impact in League Two,” added Flynn. “He’s a fantastic kid, he’s got a good attitude and he works hard but I just need him to listen.

“It’s alright hearing somebody, it’s whether you listen to them.”