WALES international Andrew Crofts is targeting a first start since August tonight and he can’t wait to show the Newport County fans what he’s capable of.

Crofts has been sidelined since August after a blister he picked up in pre-season became infected and then led to him developing an Achilles problem.

But the 34-year-old returned to action as a half-time substitute alongside Mark O’Brien on Saturday and the pair inspired a second-half fightback that nearly earned the Exiles a point at Cheltenham Town.

Manager Michael Flynn has said he will make changes for tonight’s home game against Northampton Town and Crofts and O’Brien should both be in contention to start for fifth-placed County.

And, having not played at Rodney Parade since August 28, Crofts is eager to take on the Cobblers tonight.

“At the moment I feel alright,” said the veteran midfielder.

“I’ve obviously been out for a while and it has been a bit of a nightmare.

“It was a very frustrating period but I’m a positive person.

“Just being back training with the boys in the week has been a massive buzz for me.

“I love playing football, I love training and I love matchdays.

“To come on at half-time was great and it was brilliant to be back out there.

“I’ve hardly played at all but hopefully the fans could see what I’m all about [on Saturday].

“I love playing football. I love the boys here, I love the manager and the staff.

“I’ve got a soft spot for the club already and I can’t wait to show what I can do.”

Crofts believes County can take some positives from their second-half display at Whaddon Road, despite the 2-1 defeat.

“I didn’t expect to come on at half-time, having been out for so long, but obviously with the way the game was going the gaffer wanted to make a few changes,” he said.

“Me and OB wanted to make an impact and we definitely did that because the second half was a lot better.

“We showed what we are about a lot more but we just couldn’t do it in the end.

“I don’t think you could fault the endeavour of the boys but the sloppy start just killed us

“We’ll learn from that and, as I say, in the second half we gave it a right go so we’ll take the positives from that.”

Flynn has confirmed that Mickey Demetriou will no longer be taking penalties after missing his second of the season on Saturday but Crofts offered his support to the stand-in skipper.

“You see players missing pens every week,” said the club captain.

“Mickey’s been brave enough to go and take it and he’s scored quite a few in the past so we don’t hold any blame to him for that.

“We were gutted that he didn’t score but it’s just one of those things.

"We’re still in a great position. This is a dip but we go again."