MANAGER Michael Flynn is ready to rest several key players for tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy second-round clash at Cheltenham Town but striker Padraig Amond insists Newport County AFC want to win the competition.

With a League Two trip to Swindon Town and an FA Cup second-round replay against Wrexham to come in the next eight days, Flynn has said he “might have to play a couple of the youngsters” in tonight’s Trophy tie.

Amond understands the manager’s position but he says the players will be determined to win tonight and stay on track for a Wembley final next year.

Speaking to iFollow Exiles, the Irishman said: "We want to win the competition. It’s a great chance for us to get to Wembley and win a trophy at Wembley.

"How many chances do you get to win a trophy at Wembley? Obviously, we played there last season against Spurs but to win the trophy we’d have had to have won four or five more games. And the chances of us winning the FA Cup are quite slim.

"Whatever team the manager decides to pick against Cheltenham will try to win the game,” he added.

“He’ll have a couple of decisions to make regarding whether he wants to freshen things up, give people rests, but we know the team he puts out onto the pitch will go out to win the game.

"We’ll always go out to try and win every game.”

Amond was part of the County team that was beaten 2-1 at Whaddon Road in League Two on November 24 but he says that won’t be a factor tonight.

“We owe Cheltenham one,” said the 30-year-old. “We weren’t happy with our first-half performance against them last time but it’s no redemption job or anything like that.

"It’s the same as if we’re playing Wrexham, Forest Green or whoever else really, we want to win the game to progress in the competition.

"Just because Cheltenham beat us last weekend, it doesn’t mean you want to beat them more than anyone else because you should always want to win every game the same.”

And Amond is keen to play if Flynn gives him the nod.

“There are a lot of games coming up but I’m the type of player that likes to play as many as I can because it keeps momentum going,” he said.

“If the manager decides I need a rest then I’ll be 100 per cent behind him, but if he decides he wants to pick me then I’m 100 per cent behind him in that.

"It’s makes no difference to me – I’ll give everything I can for this club.

“Sometimes the quality might not be as good but what you will get is 100 per cent effort.

“I’ll be behind the manager whatever team he picks against Cheltenham and that goes for every time he picks the team as well.”