ANDREW Crofts is determined to end an injury-ravaged season on a high by helping Newport County AFC make the League Two play-offs and he’d love to repay the faith the club has shown in him by signing a new deal this summer.

The former Wales international finally made it to 10 appearances for County when he replaced the injured Joss Labadie during Tuesday’s 0-0 home draw with Swindon Town.

It was Crofts’ first action since February 2 and he was delighted to be back after two months on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.

“I’m buzzing to get just over 45 minutes in the bank,” said the 34-year-old midfielder.

“It’s been a while and it’s been a frustrating period.

“I’ve been working very hard to get back out there. Every footballer wants to be on the grass playing football and to be back out there with the boys was a nice feeling.

“It’s all that’s been on my mind. I’ve played a lot of games in the past and this has been one of my most frustrating seasons.

“I’ve worked really hard behind the scenes. [Club physio] Adam Brown has been brilliant and I’ve been doing some extra stuff in Reading with some specialist guys down there.

“I’ve been working long hours just trying to get back out there on the pitch – that’s all I want to do.

“People who know me know that I just want to be back out on the pitch and it’s been so frustrating.

“Thankfully I’ve had people that have been there for me to get me through it,” he added.

“I’m a positive-minded person and I’ve had to put the yards in but the last time I had a season like this I played a lot of football the season after.

“So I’m hoping I can finish strong and take that into next season as well.”

South Wales Argus:

Crofts signed a one-year deal last June and he’s one of 12 County players out of contract this summer.

Asked if he wanted to stay, the club captain said: “Yeah, of course. I’m just concentrating on these last six games and hopefully there’ll be a few more after that.

“But the club is special, the fans are special and the gaffer and the staff have been amazing.

“We’ve got a real special group here. Everyone knows how tight-knit we are and you’ve seen that on the pitch throughout the season.

“Even though I haven’t played a lot, it’s been an enjoyable one in terms of what the boys have achieved.

“But there’s so much still to play for and hopefully we can finish strong.”

Crofts could make his first start since December 29 this weekend, when County travel to Cambridge United.

But Scot Bennett should be back from injury and Labadie, who received stitches to a gashed ankle on Tuesday, may also be fit to play.