JAMIE Devitt shares a house with three fellow Exiles, now he intends to make himself at home in Newport County AFC’s midfield despite the fierce competition.

The 30-year-old Irishman arrived on loan from Blackpool on deadline day but was denied the chance to make an immediate impact.

Devitt found out on his first day as an Exile that he had to self-isolate after coming into close contact with an individual that tested positive for coronavirus.

“It was horrible because I had waited so long to play,” said Devitt, who had been frozen out by the Tangerines.

“It was frustrating but I was able to keep my fitness up so that I was able to play when I could come back in. We've got an exercise bike so I was just smashing that every day!”

South Wales Argus:

Devitt played with manager Michael Flynn at Bradford at the start of his career while Padraig Amond and Kevin Ellison are also teammates.

The bond is even closer with player-turned-coach Mark O’Brien, who grew up on the same street in Dublin’s Ballyfermot and both played for the Cherry Orchard club.

Those links have helped Devitt to settle, as has moving in with fellow summer recruits Ellison, Ryan Taylor and David Longe-King.

Now the Irishman is ready to be a key component of County’s bid for a strong end to 2020 after a flying start to the season that has earned League Two top spot.

South Wales Argus:

Devitt scored in the 3-2 defeat to his former club Carlisle and then slammed in a superb long-range winner in the FA Cup win against Leyton Orient. He will hope to be in the XI against Port Vale this afternoon rather than on the bench.

“I just want to create and score goals, if I am not doing that then I am not going to be selected,” said Devitt, who prefers attacking midfield but can also slot in down the flanks.

“I probably got quite lucky that Scott Twine was not allowed to play in the FA Cup game, that gave me the opportunity to play and score.

“It gives the gaffer a headache now and I am sure that is what he wants; people playing well and giving him options. Everyone is desperate to play and the training has been really high quality.

“You don't want someone coming in and taking your shirt. If I am in the team for Port Vale then whoever isn't is going to want the shirt for Tuesday against Walsall.

“That makes you raise your game and that is good for the team.”

It’s early days in Newport but County’s style seems to be the perfect fit for the lively Dubliner.

South Wales Argus:

“When the gaffer got in touch with me one of the first things that he said was that he was looking to change the way they were playing,” said Devitt.

“That has been successful and he wanted me to come in and build on that. I missed the first few games but was able to watch them and I couldn't believe some of the football that I was seeing.

“It obviously helps when you've got a player with the quality of Josh Sheehan making everything tick.”

County are setting the pace but know the Valiants will present a stern challenge as they bid to respond to a 3-2 home loss to Tranmere.

"At the start of the season you would have said they would be one of the top teams," said Devitt.

"They have some really good players and are a top-quality team who will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season."