EXPERIENCED striker Frank Nouble is certain fellow front man Lamar Reynolds will put a frustrating Football League debut behind him and make a big impact this season.

The pair started up front as Newport County AFC began their League Two campaign with a 3-3 draw at Stevenage on Saturday.

And, while Nouble and substitute Shawn McCoulsky got on the score sheet along with defender Mickey Demetriou, Reynolds struggled to make the instant impact that he did in pre-season for the Exiles.

The 21-year-old, a graduate of the Jamie Vardy Academy, scored 28 goals in 36 games for Brentwood Town in the Isthmian League Division One North last season.

And Nouble is convinced that Reynolds will get goals for the Exiles once he learns the ropes at League Two level.

“I’m really happy for Shawn,” said Nouble. “It’s not easy coming on but he worked hard and he got his goal.

“Lamar will get goals as well so we’re looking alright.

“Lamar talks about the goals he’s scored in non-league but I was reminding him that he hadn’t played a League game yet,” he added.

“It wasn’t easy for him but everyone knows what he can do so we encourage him every day.

“He’s a weapon and once he gets going he’ll be a big hit this year.”

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Exiles boss Michael Flynn also backed Reynolds to improve on Saturday’s showing.

“He was frustrating, if I’m honest,” said the manager.

“It was his first League game on a tough, quite narrow pitch and he’ll learn.

“He showed some real positives as well and he’s only going to get better.”

Reynolds may get another chance to impress in tomorrow night’s Carabao Cup tie at Southend United but Flynn has said he will make changes for the match at Roots Hall.

Defender Ben White, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, could make his County debut after missing out at Stevenage.

Jazzi Barnum-Bobb was also left out of the squad on Saturday, while David Pipe had to be content with a place on the bench.

Explaining his decision to select Robbie Willmott rather than Pipe at right wing-back, Flynn said: “That was the hardest decision.

“I wasn’t really sure all day, if I’m honest. But we wanted to attack them.

“We identified their weaknesses and Robbie was a little apprehensive in the first half but in the second half he was outstanding.”

Reflecting on the opening day draw, Nouble added: “It was a good comeback and I think that’s the main positive you’ve got to take from the game.

“We were 3-1 down but I honestly don’t know how we didn’t win.

“I thought we were the better team but that’s football. You’ve got to deal with things and I’m happy we didn’t lose.”