STRIKER Aaron O’Connor has joined manager Justin Edinburgh in asking the Exiles’ stay away fans to get behind the club as he targets promotion this term, writes Jay Bayford.

The striker who set up Mark Byrne’s winning goal against Southend in midweek believes that Newport have a real shot at promotion this season, having moved to within striking distance of the top seven.

Victory over Accrington today could move the Exiles into the play-off places but O’Connor is aiming even higher and hoping the fans will also buy into the dream.

“We’re a quarter of a way through the season now and I think we’re more than capable of getting promoted from this league,” he said.

Whether that’s too much too soon we’ll see but with what we’ve got with the team and the management and having seen the quality of teams in the league I think we’re more than capable.”

And on the issue with the supporters, O’Connor admitted the players love nothing more than a packed Rodney Parade.

“I don’t know how much it costs and I appreciate people have other things to pay for but it definitely makes a difference.

“It helps the players to have more fans at the game and it’s beneficial all-round, financially as well as on the pitch.

“For those who are maybe thinking about the weather or the cost then I’d say try to get to as many games as possible because it really does help the lads.”

O’Connor, who himself endured a horror time with groin troubles, missing almost an entire year of football, admits the Exiles’ current injury predicament is the only downside to their fine recent form.

But O’Conner believes that has only highlighted the determination of the players and morale in the squad as they continue to pick up positive results.

“This is probably the toughest time we’ve had injury-wise but the boys have adapted well and we’ve done what the manager has asked,” he said.

“A lot of players are playing out of position and a lot of us are playing with knocks or coming back into the team after an injury straight away.

“But that’s where the team spirit and togetherness comes in.

“A few of the boys are going through the pain barrier at the minute but winning helps you through it.

“It’s hard when you’ve got injuries.”