NEWPORT County AFC striker Danny Crow has warned new signing Conor Washington that he faces a battle to force his way into the Exiles starting XI.

Young pretender Washington arrived at Rodney Parade this week with a big reputation after plundering 52 goals for St Ives Town last season.

Crow knows all about his new teammate’s talents and welcomes the added competition that the youngster brings, with Jake Harris and Ryan Charles also waiting for their chance.

But he’s pleased with how he has combined with fellow forwards Aaron O’Connor and Jefferson Louis to make County the highest scorers in the Blue Square Bet Premier with 24 goals in 12 games.

And with an average of two goals a game it’s going to be tough for anyone to break up the current strikeforce.

“I know Conor, he’s from round my way and I’d heard a bit about him,” said the 26-year-old.

“His record proves that he can score goals and he’s already shown that in training so that’s good for us.

“I had a chat with him and he’s a good lad and he’s another good youngster, which is good for the club’s future.

“He’s come to a good team and I don’t think he’ll let it go to his head.

“He knows he’s going to have to work hard to get in the team.

“Our partnership up front is going well at the moment,” he added.

“I’ve been playing behind Jeff and Azza and I’m enjoying it.

“I’m not used to playing in that position but the gaffer likes me there because I can see a pass.”

Crow has so far scored only two goals since his summer move from Luton Town with his former Hatters teammate O’Connor the top marksman in the league with nine.

“Azza is scoring all the goals but we’re all working well together,” he said.

“Jeff’s doing a lot of hard work getting the ball and we’re feeding off his knockdowns.

“He’s a big man but he’s good with his feet.

“The gaffer wants us to play football and that suits me and Jeff and Azza down to the ground.

“Hopefully me and Jeff will chip in with goals along the way as well.

“I’ll play anywhere. I prefer to be scoring goals but I’m not a selfish person and as long as we win it doesn’t matter if I score or not.

“I’m setting goals up and if I keep getting the chances I know I’ll stick them away.”