NEWPORT County AFC are certain that new signing Shaun Jeffers can be just as big a hit at Rodney Parade as the departed Conor Washington, writes Andrew Penman.

Exiles boss Justin Edinburgh says the deal to take Washington to Peterborough United this week, which could eventually be worth more than £500,000, is good for all concerned.

And he believes the club have another exciting prospect in the form of England under-19 striker Jeffers, who moved the other way from Posh.

“First and foremost it was right for the football club and it was an opportunity for Conor to go and further his football career,” said Edinburgh.

“He spent 15 months here and the return for the money we spent on him was exceptional.

“I wish Conor all the best. He’s a fantastic lad and has great potential but I think we’ve got an asset in Shaun and hopefully he can get us some goals.

“Peterborough demanded a sell-on fee for him so that shows that there is the potential for him to come back and bite them on the bum.

“We need to get him a run of games, make him feel wanted and hopefully he can get the goals to fire us back up the league.”

Jeffers is hoping to make his County bow in tonight’s League Two clash at Southend United and he’s happy to be able to show what he can do.

“I’m settling in well and I’ve been made to feel very welcome so I’m delighted to have made the move to Newport,” said the 21-year-old.

“It’s a good move for me because this is a strong team and I need to play football.

“I was sitting around a little bit at my old club and the main thing for me is to get games and experience.

“We’re in a good position and hopefully I can score goals and help continue that.

“We need to get the points on the board and put a bit of pressure on the teams above us. We don’t want the gap getting any bigger.”