STRIKER Shawn McCoulsky is desperate to keep his place in the starting XI and fire Newport County AFC to another cup win tonight, writes Andrew Penman.

The 20-year-old top scorer netted his eighth goal of the season in Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup win over League One Walsall.

And he wants to add to his tally in tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy tie against Cheltenham Town at Rodney Parade (kick-off 7.30pm).

“It’s always good to play football,” McCoulsky told iFollow Exiles.

“I’m looking forward to the game and hopefully I can get another goal and get another win for the team.

“Every game is a new game to try and do something different and we’ll just try to get another win.”

McCoulsky was selected ahead of Padraig Amond on Saturday and his partnership with fellow striker Fran Nouble worked a treat as both got on the scoresheet.

But the Bristol City loan star is not taking anything for granted.

“It’s brilliant to get another goal but I can’t get complacent now,” he said.

“I have to keep on doing what I’m doing and taking each game as it comes.

“Hopefully that means I will get more goals.

“I just have to not worry about the occasion,” he added.

“I need to keep doing what I’m doing week in and week out and then when I get out onto the pitch try and do what I can for the team.

“I’ll keep grafting and if that opportunity comes then I’ll try to put it in the back of the net.”

McCoulsky knows that he has to impress manager Michael Flynn with his all-round game as well as getting on the scoresheet.

“The gaffer just said there was no pressure and for me to try and do what I have to do,” he revealed.

“Obviously he wanted me to run in behind and show my strengths and as a striker you want to impact the game as much as possible.

“Getting the goals is a bonus and I’m definitely pleased with that.”