'TRUSTWORTHY' Jack Evans has been backed to give Newport County AFC an extra push in their promotion charge – and could bring the best out of fellow former Swan Josh Sheehan.

The 22-year-old signed from Swansea City on a permanent deal until at least the end of the season last Friday.

Evans was an unused substitute in the FA Cup penalty shootout defeat to Brighton but has been backed to soon be making an impact in the Exiles' promotion challenge.

Cameron Toshack coached the former Wales Under-21s international with Swansea Academy and when he was with Pafos in the first half of the season.

"Jack goes about his work quietly but he is a very committed individual when he puts his mind to something," said Toshack.

"He played for me as a holding midfielder. He reads the game very, very well and passes the ball excellently, so he sets off a lot of momentum.

"With the 'Swansea way' of building from the back and playing football, he was an integral part of those teams.

"But on the other side of the ball, when the team loses possession his positioning is really important and he breaks up a lot of dangerous attacks. He plays things simply but quickly."

Toshack cited a game against champions Apoel, when Pafos were reduced to 10 men after the dismissal of former Chelsea and Sheffield Wednesday man Sam Hutchinson, as an example of Evans' reliability.

"Unfortunately we were taken down to 10 men," he said. "For a coach that means the central midfield role is very, very important.

"We were down to 10, away from home against Apoel, so those players needed to do their jobs and do them well.

"We ended up winning 1-0 and Jack was superb alongside [former Crystal Palace midfielder] Jason Puncheon, playing with real discipline. Jack is very reliable and trustworthy in his role."

South Wales Argus: PLAYMAKER: Josh Sheehan's Newport form earned a Wales capPLAYMAKER: Josh Sheehan's Newport form earned a Wales cap (Image: PA)

With County now preparing for life without Scott Twine, that raises the possibility of manager Michael Flynn pushing Sheehan forward.

The 25-year-old's exploits in front of the defence earned a Wales cap against the USA in November and Evans' arrival could potentially give him more freedom.

"Jack has played predominantly in a holding area as opposed to joining in higher up but Josh is more offensively-minded, or at least that is how I saw him," said Toshack, who also helped in the development of County wing-back Liam Shephard.

"He is box-to-box and can advance into higher areas to impact games with assists and the odd goal. He reads the game very well and he vision is so impressive.

"Mike will know the quality that these boys and the manner that they have been coached at Swansea."