STRIKER Aaron Holloway knows he’s playing for his future at Newport County AFC between now and the end of the season and he’s determined to make an impact, writes Andrew Penman.

The 21-year-old from Cardiff played 45 minutes in the 0-0 draw with Bury on Tuesday after replacing Danny Crow.

And now he’s targeting a first start as he aims to impress manager Justin Edinburgh before his short-term contract expires at the end of June.

“I think I’ve settled in very well and I’m getting some minutes now so I feel at home here already,” said the former Bristol City youngster who has also filled in at centre-back this month.

“I was pleased to get 45 minutes but it’s a bit of a heavy pitch so I struggled a little bit and I need to get myself a bit fitter.

“I think the manager wanted to give me a chance to show what I can do because I haven’t played a lot and he hasn’t really seen a lot of me.

“Getting a start is the next step,” he added. “I had a good run out and I’ll hopefully get my first start soon.

“But I’m not worrying about my future yet. We’re concentrating on the games and I’ll talk to the manager at the end of the season.”

Edinburgh praised Holloway for his second half showing against the Shakers.

“I thought we needed a little bit more of a physical presence up there in the second half and the boy did well,” said the Exiles boss.

“Obviously he’s not played much football and, although it was only 45 minutes, I thought he put a lot into it and tired a little bit but he did well.”

Holloway says the point gained on Tuesday, coming after Saturday’s win at Torquay United, was a vital one to ensure County’s Football League status.

“It was good to get a point and build on Saturday’s win,” said the former Wales under-19 international. “We want to stay up and that point helps us towards that.

“We just got promoted so staying in the League is a massive achievement. We don’t want to go back down.

“We’re on the up again after being down for a while and hopefully we can get another three points against Portsmouth on Saturday.”