MICHAEL Flynn have credited his Newport County AFC players for the start they have made to the League Two campaign.

He said his side had returned from a strange off-season in good shape and that that stood them in good stead to hit the ground running.

So far this season, County remain unbeaten.

Their performance against Bolton Wanderers at the weekend showed a side willing to press for the full 90 minutes.

"I think that’s showing. The amount of work they’re doing, both in possession and out of possession is a credit to them," he said.

It’s always nice to say something and then back it up, the sceptics out there will say “oh, he’s going to say that”, but at least you can see it now."

Signs look promising for the season ahead, but Flynn remains realistic about a long campaign ahead.

"It’s too early to say, because we’re alright on the injury front," he said.

"The time we got to the play-offs there were seven or eight who picked themselves week in, week out

"It’s hard to measure the strength of the squad then as you’re not having to change too many."

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This, he said, was highlighted during the last campaign, where his Exiles side were beset with injuries. Something he said would adversely effect even the best teams.

"It was more like five or six first-team starters who were missing week in, week out," he said.

"You take five or six out of Liverpool’s team and they’re going to be hampered.

"It was a tough situation and a very frustrating one."

Having a fully fit squad to choose from presents problems of its own. Namely, having to choose between a host of eager players for each game.

Asked whether the performance in the last round against Watford had secured anyone a place on the team sheet for the Newcastle clash, Flynn remained coy.

"No, not necessarily. I’ve been trying to be fair with people and give them game time," he said.

"There are one or two who deserve to play.

"There are a couple who won’t play. I’ve got to think of the future as well, and the next few games.

"It’s not just this game tonight. It’s about the plan we’ve got going forward.

"I’ll pick the team I think can A) get us the result, and B) is the fittest, strongest team we can go with for that game."

One potential side effect of such a high-profile match is the possibility of increased exposure leading to last-minute transfer window swoops from higher division clubs.

However, Flynn remained typicall laid back about this.

"There’s nothing we can do about that," he said.

"Anybody who attracts interest from a club in a higher division, they’re obviously doing well.

"I’ll make sure we’re in no rush to let anybody go, so any deal would have to be right for the football club.

"I don’t want to lose anybody, but if it happens, it happens."

Outgoing transfers are not something which Newport County AFC are urgently in search of, with Flynn praising the budgeting being done at the club for ensuring a stable footing is maintained during these uncertain times.

"It's worked out to be alright at the minute, because of the delay of the supporters coming back," he said.

"I think they’ve done the right thing."

He joked that he wouldn't mind the season being curtailed due to the pandemic as "we’ll get promoted".

"Let’s get tonight out of the way and they can do what they want," he said.

"We’ll be happy with League One next season. Brilliant."