NEWPORT County AFC manager Terry Butcher says he has no concerns about new signing Matt Partridge’s off-the-field problems and is backing him to show his quality on the pitch.

The 21-year-old defender, signed on transfer deadline day after his release from Dagenham & Redbridge, was handed a 12-month suspended sentence last year after he admitted causing actual bodily harm.

But Butcher, who was himself convicted of disorderly conduct and breach of the peace due to his behaviour in a Rangers v Celtic Old Firm derby in 1987, says he didn’t think twice about snapping up Partridge.

“I’ve got a criminal record as well so that doesn’t bother me,” he said.

“And I don’t say that flippantly. That can happen to younger players – sometimes you do things or say things and you end up being in trouble.

“But he wants to put that behind him now and just concentrate on his football.

“I signed a player called Jamie Lawrence when I was at Sunderland and he did time for stealing but he was one of my best signings.

“He’s a lovely guy and he’s now doing some great work for underprivileged children in London.

“It didn’t bother me about his criminal record because he was a good character and he just got stuck in as a footballer first and foremost, and a very good one at that.

“And I know Matt Partridge will be exactly the same.”

Partridge is set to make his debut against York City at Rodney Parade tomorrow (kick-off 1pm) and Butcher believes he will show his worth to the team.

“With big Matt coming into the team he can solve a problem at the back where we are conceding a few goals,” said the Exiles boss.

“He’s only 21 but he looks a mature boy and he’s nice and strong and good in the air and he’s got a bit of pace about him.

“He’s a good all round players and he’s fitted in well. He’s quiet but he’s a winner when you see the way he goes about his business on the pitch.

“He’s used to League Two and he certainly puts himself about – that’s what we want.”