COACH Wayne Hatswell believes Newport County AFC have a stronger squad than last season's group that made it to the League Two play-off final - and hopes fierce competition for places will keep them on the right track during a vital period.

It’s early days in the 2021/22 campaign but the Exiles have a chance to move towards the head of the table with a trip to Barrow on Friday followed by clashes with Scunthorpe and Bradford at Rodney Parade.

County will head to Cumbria on the back of a much-needed 2-1 win against Walsall, which came after a poor performance in defeat to Northampton.

Manager Michael Flynn responded by making eight changes to his starting line-up and reaped the rewards with a dramatically improved performance.

The Exiles have made a solid start to the season despite a summer of change following the play-off final anguish against Morecambe.

Key figures Josh Sheehan, Joss Labadie and Liam Shephard may have left but assistant Hatswell believes County are in good shape after their rebuild.

South Wales Argus: ENCOURAGED: County coach Wayne HatswellENCOURAGED: County coach Wayne Hatswell

“We feel that we have got a better squad this year in terms of strength and depth. If they get a chance then they have to keep the shirt, simple as that,” said Hatswell.

“We made changes against Walsall and want players to grasp the opportunity. This gives us something to build on with a tough game at Barrow and then a couple of games back here.

“It’s a vital period to stay on the right track. We go to Barrow in a lot better spirits than we did coming into this game.”

Goalkeeper Joe Day missed the win over Walsall because of a thigh injury, with Nick Townsend starting, but it is hoped he will be fit for Friday.

The performance against Walsall, especially in the first half, means that patience is likely to be needed by those that missed out.

The strength of County’s squad was shown by Robbie Willmott, one of the strongest performers so far this season, not featuring in the 18-man squad along with Liverpool loanee Jake Cain and forwards Lewis Collins and Jermaine Hylton.

Barrow head into the game on the back of a strong 1-1 draw at promotion favourites Bradford City.

Last season the Exiles suffered a 2-1 loss at Holker Street after conceding two goals in the second half with the winner coming from midfielder Jamie Devitt, who had spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Rodney Parade.