LENELL John-Lewis knows he has to keep up his current scoring rate to retain his starting spot after the arrival of new striker Oliver McBurnie on loan from Swansea City.

A stunning long distance strike at Oxford United on Tuesday took John-Lewis’ goal tally to four in his last six appearances for Newport County AFC.

The former Grimsby Town front man is now joint top scorer for the Exiles with five goals this season but he’s not taking his place for granted.

New boy McBurnie arrived at Rodney Parade on Thursday and is in contention to start today’s home clash against Luton Town.

“I always welcome new signings,” said John-Lewis. “The position we’re in we need all the help we can get.

“If anyone can come in and help us get better then that’s always welcome.

“I know the gaffer can change it at any time and it’s whatever he sees fit to get a result.

“I’ve had the shirt for the last few games and I’ll do all I can to keep hold of it and help the team.”

The 26-year-old says Tuesday’s goal was his best ever but agrees with manager John Sheridan’s assessment that he should finish off more chances in the six-yard box.

“It’s probably my best goal,” he said. “It may not be the best one I’ve hit but it’s the best one that’s gone in.

“I’ve watched the replay a few times and it felt like it was going in as soon as I hit it.

“But I want to get tap-ins as well. I’d prefer to score 10 tap-ins than one of them.

“I want to score more goals because that’s what I’m here to do. I love scoring goals.”

John-Lewis says results like the 1-1 draw at second-placed Oxford show the difference between the team now and at the start of the season under Terry Butcher.

“There’s a lot of resilience throughout the team to not lose games at the moment and I think that’s important,” he said.

“Playing under Terry Butcher was enjoyable for me. He brought me into the club and outlined early doors that I would be the main starter up front.

“It was disappointing how everything worked out and I can’t really put my finger on why it didn’t go well.

“We went into every game with confidence and had a good team spirit, considering where we were.

“John has brought honesty to the club,” he added. “He’s not afraid to tell players exactly how it is and to actually get things like he wants them.

“Even when he does get it he never stops and I admire that in him.

“He always keeps us on our toes and always lets us know when we make a mistake, in the nicest possible way.

“He keeps the game simple and asks us to do the basics right.”