PADRAIG Amond is convinced that former Newport County AFC loan star Antoine Semenyo is good enough to make it at the top level.

Bristol City reportedly turned down a £2m bid from Chelsea on transfer deadline day after recalling Semenyo from County last Sunday.

Premier League giants Manchester United are also interested in the 19-year-old forward, who scored six goals in 32 appearances for the Exiles.

But Semenyo is set to get his chance with the Robins between now and May and Amond is certain he has what it takes to succeed at Championship level and above.

“He’s got a massive future,” said Amond. “He’s a great kid, he really wants to learn and he’s been excellent since he came in.

“He’s got everything – strength, a good right foot, a good left foot – and he wants to get better and better.

“He was always picking my brain, and Jamma’s [Jamille Matt] as well, and hopefully we’ve played some part in his development."

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“I think he’s going to have a fantastic career,” he added.

“I think he’s going to go the whole way – to the top.

“He’s got a lot to learn, but he didn’t look out of place against Leicester or Middlesbrough, so you can see why teams are interested in him.

“He’s a really genuine kid and I hope he goes the whole way, because you like to see nice things happen for nice people and he’s one of the good guys.

“We missed him [against Port Vale on Tuesday] and we’ve got a big position to fill now.

“And, when you’re saying that about a 19-year-old, that shows you what an impact he made.”

Bristol City coach Jamie McAllister explained why the club had recalled Semenyo.

“Antoine has done very well out on loan,” he said.

“He’s done very well at Newport and we felt we wanted to bring him back and having a good look at him here.

“He’s been back in training for the last few days and looking really sharp.”

Read more: Exiles boss gutted to see Semenyo leave Rodney Parade

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