NEWPORT County AFC have signed teenage striker Antoine Semenyo from Bristol City on a season-long loan.

The 18-year-old penned his first professional contract with the Robins, who have the option of recalling the youngster in January, at the start of 2018 and spent a month on loan at Bath City.

He scored six goals in nine appearances for the National League outfit before returning to Ashton Gate.

His performances for the Championship club’s under-23s earned him his Football League debut on the final day of last season, coming off the bench in Bristol City’s 3-2 defeat to Sheffield United.

Speaking to iFollow Exiles after finalising his move, Semenyo stated he was looking forward to proving himself in League Two.

“It’s only been about a year in the academy now so I needed that initial experience and I’m now happy to get this loan at Newport County AFC in League Two,” he said.

"I’m sure it’ll be a very good loan for me and I’m ready to impress.

“Mike Flynn (County boss) said he watched me last season and he realised that I was one of the star players in that division.

“He felt like I would do really well coming over here so he gave me a call to join the club and I was happy to join.

“I want to come here, impress, and improve my game.”

Semenyo, who joined the Robins’ academy after impressing for South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, follows in the footsteps of Shawn McCoulsky.

McCoulsky was one of the Exiles’ top scorers last term while on loan from Bristol City, netting the winner against Leeds United in the FA Cup third round.

“Very happy to have got Antoine over the line,” said County chief Flynn. “He is a young, hungry, strong talent who has just signed a new deal with Bristol City which shows how highly they think of him.

“I would like to thank Bristol City for their help in getting this done and long let the good relationship continue."

City's loan manager Brian Tinnion said: “We had 23 players go out on loan last season and we know how valuable those experiences were.

"This will be hugely beneficial for Antoine to get first team exposure that will help him and City down the line."

County play Swansea City in a behind-closed-doors friendly this afternoon before a team of youth players and trialists take on Welsh League side Penybont this evening.