NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn is set to make changes for tonight’s Carabao Cup clash at Cambridge United but striker Padraig Amond is adamant that he’s not in need of a rest.

The 30-year-old was County’s top scorer with 14 goals last season and he opened his account for the new campaign with the winner in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Crewe Alexandra at Rodney Parade.

Amond is targeting 20 goals this season and he doesn’t want to miss out on the chance to add to his tally tonight.

“I want to play every game I can and the manager knows that,” he said.

“Sometimes when you hit a certain age people think you need resting but I don’t need resting.

“A rest for me sometimes can do you more harm [than good], especially when another striker comes in and scores a hat-trick!

“But the manager makes the decisions and if he decides to rest me and thinks it’s the best thing for the team and for me then so be it.

“It gives one of the other lads an opportunity to come in and stake their claim for a starting berth next week.”

With Jamille Matt dropping to the bench on Saturday, Amond started alongside Cardiff City loanee Mark Harris against Crewe before linking up with substitute Antoine Semenyo.

“I’ve said before that you could pair any two strikers up front and everyone would do a good job but I want to be number one striker, it’s as simple as that,” said Amond.

“You have to be selfish sometimes but I can strike up a partnership with anybody.

“Antoine came on last week and did well but he missed training with injury and illness so Sparky got his chance and I thought he did really well.

“It goes to show we have options. We have a strong squad – probably a little bit more depth than last year – and when everyone is fit it gives the manager a right headache.”

Amond was delighted to get the goal to earn County all three points on Saturday, particularly after seeing an effort cleared off the line after rounding the goalkeeper at Mansfield Town on the opening day.

“I genuinely didn’t see him,” he said of the Mansfield miss. “I’ve watched it back probably 50 or 60 times and I think I’m going to score 50 or 60 times.

“But that’s gone now. As a striker you just have to forget about it and take the next chance because if you dwell on it too much it can haunt you.

“I’m off the mark now and ready to go for the season.”

And he’s looking forward to a first Carabao Cup tie with the Exiles.

“I missed it last year but I was at the game [against Leeds United] at Elland Road and I signed that day.

“We played Cambridge three times last year and we beat them three times so they’ll want to get one over on us.

“But we’re going there to get the result and get ourselves in the hat for a good tie in the next round.”