NEWPORT County AFC boss John Sheridan believes the Exiles have a squad capable of getting away from the League Two relegation zone, but that won’t stop him entering the transfer market.

The 51-year old former Plymouth boss got his first point as County manager on Saturday as Lenell John-Lewis’ first goal of the season capped a vastly improved display from the Exiles.

And Sheridan felt it was a good benchmark for his squad as he begins assessing the club, with an assistant manager likely to be appointed this week.

“That was a good point, I thought we played very well and I couldn’t have asked much more from the players,” he said.

“Some of the football at times was really good. It’s always difficult when you are bottom of the league, but I’ve told the players, that’s the kind of performance I’m looking for, that’s the benchmark set.

“We knew it would be a tough game but I thought the players really responded. We conceded when we were on top and our heads could easily have dropped from that. But credit to the players, that never happened and Lenell took his goal really well, it was an excellent finish.

“There are some good players here. They need some confidence.

“The players really responded to a new manager coming in, they gave me what I wanted.”

Sheridan was impressed with the response to going a goal down, and that of his goalscorer.

“Heads could easily have dropped when the goal went in because we’d been on top, so that’s a good sign,” he said.

“We drove on and when we did score we deserved it and we are pushing for a winner. But I’m glad we got something out of the game, it gives us a platform to build on.

“It was a great equaliser as well. I’m really pleased. I told the players, that’ll do me, if they give me that week in and week out. That’s all I ask for. That performance was worthy.

“I thought Lenell John-Lewis was excellent, I like him, he’s a handful.

“I like my centre forwards to be proper forwards, I don’t want him deep I want him up there causing problems. He deserved his goal, it was a great strike and his all round performance was excellent. He led the line.”

And on potential reinforcements, Sheridan was ruling nothing in or out, but did hint at looking for some experience.

“When you are down and struggling in the league, sometimes bringing in new players can provide the club, the players, with a lift,” he said.

“I think we want a strong squad to compete and get out from where we are. Experience is helpful. Matt Taylor was a big boost to us.”