COURTNEY Baker-Richardson has pledged that his best is yet to come after getting up and running at Newport County AFC with a goal of the season contender.

The striker scored for the first time in amber last Saturday with a wonderful curling effort to double the Exiles' lead in the 3-0 win against Scunthorpe at Rodney Parade.

It was his first Football League goal since August 2019 and a magic moment for a man who has endured a frustrating start to life in Newport.

Baker-Richardson featured in pre-season but suffered a relapse of a thigh injury that ruined his time at Barrow in the build-up to the League Two opener at Oldham.

After missing ten games, the 25-year-old made his County debut with half an hour off the bench against Walsall, made his first start on his return to Cumbria and led the line with Dom Telford against the Iron.

"They have been drip-feeding me minutes and letting me find my legs," said the former Swansea forward, who spent the second half of last season in the National League on loan with Barnet.

"I've shown smidgens of my game – I am strong, fast and can go in behind or hold it up – but there is a lot more to come from me. I'm still shaking the rust off.

"The injuries are behind me now I'm looking forward with tunnel vision. My head is focused and I have the opportunity to get the ball rolling here.

"I am trying my hardest off the pitch and I am in the gym or swimming every day. There is stuff that I took for granted when I was younger and thought I was invincible.

"Mentally I am strong and physically I am getting there. It's good to be back out there."

Baker-Richardson was signed by Michael Flynn but played just two times for the manager before his sudden exit.

South Wales Argus:

"I am just grateful to be here. The gaffer resigned last week but I can't thank him enough for giving me the opportunity back in the Football League," said the forward.

"A lot of people have doubted me but I want to prove them wrong. I am back fit and happy, I am thriving at Newport and enjoying it here with the lads."

Baker-Richardson now has Bradford City in his sights as the Exiles bid to win successive league games for the first time in 2021/22.

County are 12th in the table after blowing hot and cold, hindered by a tough schedule and injuries, but are just a point off the play-off spots early in the campaign.

Baker-Richardson is confident of a strong season, and doing it in style.

"The lads that we have got in the squad are pure quality," he said. "The way that we move the ball, we are not just a lump it forward and see what happens team.

"That's credit to the gaffer and Wayne Hatswell for what they have done for this club, it's my style of football. It's fluid football but we can adapt to the circumstances."