STRIKER Deane Smalley says he’s ready to hit the ground running and help fire Newport County AFC to safety in League Two.

Smalley has joined County on loan from Plymouth Argyle until the end of the season, alongside fellow forwards Conor Wilkinson and John-Christophe Ayina.

All three could make their debuts in this afternoon’s home clash with Dagenham & Redbridge and Smalley insists he’s ready to make an impact after recovering from an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) knee injury.

“For the last few months I’ve been training hard, trying to get my fitness up and unfortunately the opportunity didn’t arise at Plymouth,” said the 27-year-old.

“The gaffer here has given me a ring and given me an opportunity and hopefully I can repay it.

“I’ve been playing plenty of reserve games at Plymouth so hopefully I can continue that into first team football and it won’t be a problem for me.

“I hope to bring goals to the team,” he added. “I’m a forward so hopefully I play plenty of games and score a few goals.

“We’ll see what happens from here until the end of the season but for me it’s just about getting my head down, playing plenty of games and then we’ll go from there.”

Exiles boss Warren Feeney acted quickly this week with Aaron Collins moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Lenell John-Lewis likely to be out for the rest of the season due to a ruptured hamstring.

“John-Christophe and Smalley can play wide,” he said. “They can play anywhere across the front in these 4-3-3 formations.

“It’s options and competition for places. Scott Boden has done fantastic for me and Aaron as well but I was a striker myself and you always want to get the front sorted and I’ll worry about the rest later.”

Feeney says he’s keen to keep John-Lewis involved while the striker recovers.

“He’s great around the place and he’s going to be a big miss because he’s a presence up front and it’s bad news for him and us,” said the manager.

“We’ll give him every support and I want him still to be around helping the players because I think it’s important.

“I’ve been there myself being injured and you don’t feel part of it but I want everyone pulling together and Lenny’s certainly part of that.”