STRIKER Antoine Semenyo has revealed that he took advice from Bristol City teammate Shawn McCoulsky before deciding to join Newport County AFC on loan.

McCoulsky scored 11 goals during a successful loan spell with the Exiles last season and Semenyo is hoping to following in his footsteps at Rodney Parade.

The talented teenager, who scored from the penalty spot in County’s friendly win at Hereford on Saturday, told iFollowExiles: “I spoke with Shawn McCoulsky and he did say that this club would be very good for me moving forward.

“I’m only 18, he gave me some tips for the new season, told me to keep my head down, score lots of goals and I’m going to stick by that.

“I also spoke to some of the first-team players at Bristol City about moving to this club and they said exactly the same things to be fair – work hard, get your goals, be consistent and seize the opportunity.

“I have to stick by those pieces of advice.”

South Wales Argus:

Longer term, Semenyo is hoping match the feats of his football hero Didier Drogba by playing in the Premier League and at international level.

“I always looked up to Didier Drogba when I was growing up,” he explained.

“I used to watch him all the time, I’m not a Chelsea fan but I loved watching him.

“The way he played was so special and I feel like that could be me one day.

“He was such a clinical striker – any chance he got, he scored. All the defenders in the Premier League were always worried about him so that’s how I want to make all the defenders in this league feel like next season.

“I’m hoping to impress, score goals, keep doing my job correctly and then when I go back to Bristol City, hopefully I’ll get more opportunities and more experiences.

“I’m ready to put myself out there. That’s why I’ve come here, I feel like if I start from here then I could really go far with my career.

“I would be so happy to play in the Premier League one day,” he added. “I’m also hoping to play for England at some point in my career as well, but at this moment in time it’s about putting myself out there, getting the experience and when I get my chance, I’ll show the fans what I can do.”

Semenyo enjoyed a successful loan at Bath City last season and also made his Bristol City debut in the final match of last season against Sheffield United in the Championship.

“All I’ve done since joining the Bristol City academy is work hard in training and focus on improving upon my weaknesses," he said.

"I’ve been trying hard to perfect those, try to have less weaknesses so that I can move forward with my career.

“I’ve had a lot of help from coaches, team mates so I’m really grateful for all that help. I’m hopeful that this season will be a good season."

Video by Josh Thomas