BOSS Michael Flynn has heaped praise on Paul Hayes after the veteran striker bagged a fourth goal in two games when sealing Newport County AFC’s win at Yeovil Town on Saturday, writes David Williams.

Hayes added to his hat-trick against Forest Green Rovers last Tuesday with County’s second in their 2-0 defeat of the Glovers, the 34-year-old striking late to add to Josh Sheehan’s opener.

“I wish Paul Hayes was a few years younger because I’d be giving him a long-term deal,” said Flynn. “He was outstanding.

“He’s had a very good career. He’s my kind of professional footballer.

“He does all the horrible stuff, he’s got a good football brain, and I just wish he had a few more minutes in those legs of his.”

Hayes wasn’t the only player the manager hailed following the team’s first success in eight League Two outings.

“I thought Ben White was exceptional, even when he went to right-back,” he added.

“Obviously it was nice to see Josh Sheehan come back in the team and get a goal.

“He started a little bit slowly and faded at the end but in the middle part he was looking dangerous, especially when he got on the ball, and you can see he’s got a little bit stronger.

“I thought Mickey Demetriou was solid as a rock all afternoon, and when he’s like that he’s one of the best defenders in the league.

“Joe Day made a crucial save at a crucial time of the game, it was an outstanding save down to his right.”

Flynn will assess the fitness of David Pipe and Mark O'Brien this week after both missed the victory.