NEWPORT County AFC loan star Mark Harris believes his goal at Exeter City could be the first step on a journey towards playing in the Premier League.

The 19-year-old forward, who is on loan at Rodney Parade from Cardiff City until January, scored his first professional goal after coming off the bench to earn County a 1-1 draw at St James Park on Saturday.

In the short-term Harris is hoping that the strike is enough to earn him a starting spot for the Exiles at home to Notts County tonight.

But his long-term aim is to return to his parent club and play at the top level for the Bluebirds.

“It’s brilliant to get my first goal,” he said. “My first touch was a bit heavy, to be honest, but I kept going. I didn't give up and when I finally got the ball one on one with the goalkeeper I slotted it past him.

"I was buzzing when the ball hit the back of the net and hopefully there’s many more to come this season.

“I want to get experience of men’s football and I feel like if I do keep getting games under my belt I can push on to the next level. That’s what I want to do.

“I want to play in every game. My aim is to get as many games in as possible and hopefully I’ve done enough to get myself into the starting line-up.”

Harris, who started the first home game against Crewe Alexandra, is now level on one goal with Antoine Semenyo and Jamille Matt. Padraig Amond is top scorer with three in four games so far this season.

“It’s healthy competition,” he added. “We’re pushing each other on and the more goals we score the better the team does, which is what we all want.

“The squad depth here is very good and everybody is fighting for a place in the starting XI but I feel like I can keep doing well and hopefully we can have a good season.

“I can’t see any reason why we won’t make the play-offs if we can keep this spirit up.”

And Harris knows that success for County can only help him catch the eye of Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock.

“My aim at the end of the day is to go back to Cardiff and to play in the Premier League with them,” said the teenager.

“I’ve been there since the age of five so that would be a dream come true.

“Neil Warnock has said that whenever I need anything, I can give him a ring or even pop down if I need to. He’s told me that he’s there for me if I need anything, which is really helpful for me.

“I’ve got a long way to go yet and I know that. The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world. That’s my aim, that’s where I want to be, and I feel like if I keep performing and playing well in this team then hopefully one day, I can be playing in Neil’s starting XI.

“I just need to gain the vital experience now and if I can do that alongside learning from the gaffer here then why not, I can play in the Premier League one day.”