NEWPORT County AFC defender Mark O’Brien believes the players who earned a 3-0 victory over Chelsea under-21s in Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy tie have given manager Michael Flynn a few selection dilemmas for the weekend.

Jamille Matt headed in two goals to make him the club’s top scorer on four so far and Antoine Semenyo came off the bench to hit his second of the season.

O’Brien led an impressive defensive display alongside youngsters Tyler Forbes, Cameron Pring and Jay Foulston.

And Josh Sheehan shone in midfield as he linked up with Charlie Cooper, academy graduate Lewis Collins and wide men Robbie Willmott and Mark Harris.

“We knew going into the game that we had to be on our A game because they might have been a young squad but anyone in a Chelsea academy is going to have quality,” said O’Brien.

“But I thought as a team we did really well and I think everyone has put their names in the hat for Saturday and given the manager food for thought.

“Everyone is fighting for spots in the team, including myself. I need to cement a spot and I hope to do that.

“And games like this give the manager a headache if everyone goes out and plays to their potential, which everyone did.”

O’Brien has had a frustrating start to the season after picking up an ankle injury in pre-season and he’s had to watch as Mickey Demetriou and Scot Bennett have formed an effective partnership with new signing Fraser Franks in the back three.

The Dubliner earned his first League Two start in the 1-0 win at Tranmere Rovers last weekend and, after impressing against the Chelsea youngsters, he’s determined to keep his place for the visit of Cambridge United this Saturday.

“The manager knows I’m not one of these players that will mope around,” said O’Brien. “I’ll always come in and train to my full potential every day.

“Obviously I’ve been disappointed not to play but circumstances went against me and I’ve had to sit patiently while the lads have done really well.

“The injury happened at the wrong time for me,” he added. “If it had to happen I would have liked the injury at the start of pre-season to give me a chance to get back fit.

“But you have to take it on the chin and after patiently waiting for my chance it’s now working out for me.

“Thankfully I got my chance in the last Checkatrade game [at Swindon Town] for the manager to know I’m ready to come back into the side in the league.”

O’Brien has helped the Exiles earn clean sheets at Tranmere and against Chelsea under-21s and he wants another against Cambridge as the team continue to recover from the shock 6-0 home defeat to Yeovil Town.

“After what happened against Yeovil obviously we want to rectify that and we want to give the home fans something to cheer,” said the 25-year-old.

“With the win at Tranmere and another win against Chelsea we’re building it back up and we want to keep that momentum going.”