Cameron Norman focused on Newport County after rejected bid

The Exiles received a bid for the right-back at the end of last season after his exploits caught the eye of Scottish Premiership side St Mirren.

Manager James Rowberry said the club were under no pressure to sell and Norman, an ever-present in his first campaign, is still on the books at Rodney Parade.

The 26-year-old was a huge hit after arriving from Walsall in the summer of 2021 but, even though the transfer window is still open, insists he is focused on achieving his ambitions in Newport.

County boss James Rowberry talks to Cameron Norman

"It was one of those situations where I didn't think about things too much," he said about the bid. "Of course it is flattering to hear those things but I am enjoying my time here.

"It's always good to hear but I am fully focused on this season and what we want to achieve here.

"I am looking to back it up and I want to have an even better season – I've got bigger and better goals personally and as a team. I am fully focused on achieving that."

Norman is a right-back but has been used to playing high up the pitch under Rowberry, whether in a flat four or as a wing-back.

That was the case at Sutton on opening day when he provided an attacking outlet for the Exiles in the 1-1 draw against physical hosts at Gander Green Lane.

County couldn't turn late pressure into a winner but Norman still believes it was a point gained rather than two lost.

INFLUENTIAL: Cameron Norman is a key man for County

"You know what you've got to be like when you go to Sutton. You have to battle and work for everything, the boys dug in and we had to ride it out in the first half," he said.

"We got a chance to show our quality in the second half when we showed our fitness levels and how strong we are to finish the game really well.

"We are all a bit disappointed we couldn't get the winner but it was a well-earned point and we move on to the next one.

"The consensus after the game was that Sutton will pick up a lot of points at home, so to come away with something was pleasing.

"You want to get back into the real stuff after pre-season and going to Sutton for a first game was a battle and a good introduction for the new boys."

Next up for County is a clash with Norman's former team Walsall at Rodney Parade on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).