HOMETOWN hero Mike Flynn has reverted to being a Newport County AFC fan over the past few weeks but now he’s desperate to make his mark on the pitch.

Flynn has yet to start a Blue Square Bet Premier match since rejoining County last month after being laid low with food poisoning.

The bug left him behind his teammates in terms of match fitness and has restricted him to late cameos from the bench as the Exiles have surged to the top of the table.

Fellow midfielders Max Porter, Jake Thomson and Lee Evans have performed superbly in victories over Mansfield Town, Nuneaton Town and Lincoln City.

And Flynn has given manager Justin Edinburgh a selection dilemma ahead of today’s trip to Braintree Town after declaring himself fit to start.

“The boys have done well and it’s up to the manager who starts,” said Flynn, who was released by League Two Bradford City this summer.

“Lee is a great talent and Max and Jake have been brilliant too and I know I’m going to need to be patient.

“Just because I’ve been in the Football League for 10 years it doesn’t guarantee me a starting place. I respect the manager’s judgement and I’ll carry on working hard so I’m ready when I’m needed.

“The food poisoning set me back a bit but I’m getting there now,” he added.

“I’m feeling fresher and I’d love to be out on the pitch but Newport County is a personal thing for me and I’m just delighted that the team is doing well.

“I’ve almost been like a fan for the first few games and it’s been great watching the boys make such a great start.”

Flynn admits that the visit to Braintree’s compact ground in deepest Essex will be a new experience for him but he is expecting another stern test for the squad.

“To be honest I’ve not got a clue about Braintree but every game will be hard in this division. It’s a bit different to what I’m used to but you’ve got to go to places like this to earn the right to play in the Football League. They’ll want to be the first to beat us and we’ll have to be on our game.”