I LIKE the idea of County training on a daily basis at Spytty Park.

It’s not only important to be based somewhere, anywhere, on a semi-regular basis and end their nomadic streak, but I am sure there is another positive as well.

For every irregular bounce at Spytty on the notorious playing surface, for every time a player is forced to retrieve a ball by tottering over the running track in studs, there will be extra recognition of the creature comforts at Rodney Parade.

That’s the same Rodney Parade that Newport County are turning into a fortress, still unbeaten at home and now four points clear at the top of the Conference National.

I was berated last week for during to suggest I still didn’t make County favourites to win the league, but it’s not a stance I am changing.

I believe that this might just be one season too early for a vastly changed squad.

But what I don’t doubt is the mental fortitude of the Exiles and the strength of character of the squad working under Justin Edinburgh and Jimmy Dack.

If the last week has shown us anything it’s that Newport know how to grind out results when they need to.

County continue to exceed all expectations and as such, I am hoping for and even expecting a run in the FA Cup.

I think the manner of defeat to Shrewsbury on the TV last year is among the chief disappointments for Edinburgh in his successful spell as boss and he will want to right that wrong.

Some will argue the County squad is too small to fight on three fronts, but I’d argue a cup run did no harm at all to Fleetwood or Wrexham last term, while the financial rewards are obvious.

Saturday’s trip to Yate also provides an opportunity to either Jake Harris or Conor Washington to stake a claim with Danny Crow out for a month.

I have a sneaking suspicion one or both will take that chance.