MANAGER Michael Flynn believes defender Ryan Inniss will be a big player for Newport County AFC this season, as long as he avoids any more “rushes of blood to the head.”

Inniss, who arrived on a season-long loan from Premier League club Crystal Palace in August, served a five-game ban for biting an opponent in the Leasing.com Trophy defeat to West Ham United under-21s in September.

“He admitted the charge,” explained Flynn last month. “There was no mark there, I think it was more about the intent.

“It would have been hard to say that he didn’t [intend to bite his opponent] but he held his hands up, he’s done the right thing and he’s served his suspension so that’s that now.”

During the suspension, his place was taken by summer signing Kyle Howkins. He helped County climb up to third in the League Two table after defeat at Northampton Town with draws against Macclesfield Town and Exeter City and wins over Swindon Town and Carlisle United.

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But Inniss returned for the Trophy tie against Exeter on October 8 and has subsequently been selected ahead of Howkins for the win over Scunthorpe United, home draw with Crawley Town and last Saturday’s defeat at Colchester United.

“It was a very tough call,” admitted Flynn. “Kyle’s done well when he’s been in but I just feel Ryan gives us that little bit more of a threat aerially as well.

“It’s a tough decision, but I’m glad I’ve got those decisions to make.”

Inniss has performed well in recent weeks and Flynn is set to keep faith with him for Saturday’s home clash with Salford City.

“I’m looking for some big performances from Ryan now and I think, when he has played, he’s done that,” said the manager.

“He just needs to keep concentrating, focus on his football and avoid silly rushes of blood to the head. If he does that then he’ll be a big asset for us.”

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