NEWPORT County AFC manager Graham Coughlan has lined up his first January ‘signing’ – Exiles prospect Lewys Twamley.

The 19-year-old is currently on loan at Pontypridd United along with defender Joe Woodiwiss, combining game time for the Cymru Premier side with Exiles training.

The diminutive midfielder, a Wales Under-19s international, was a regular goalscorer for County’s academy teams.

The left-footer made four appearances in the EFL Trophy and was sent to Ponty to get more experience of men’s football after playing for Salisbury in the Southern Premier League last season.

Twamley has done well for the Valleys club in the league and, after scoring a double in a 2-1 win over Chepstow Town in the Welsh Cup, curled home a cracker against Ruthin in the next round.

“There have been a couple of young kids training with us and I have been really pleased with them,” said Coughlan.

“Lewys Twamley would have had some game time under me already had he not been on loan.

“We can't use him until January 1 so I hope he has a really good loan spell, comes back in and hits the ground running. That will be like a new signing, and so will [injured striker] Oz Zanzala.”

County were knocked out of the EFL Trophy in the last 32 by MK Dons on Tuesday, losing 3-1 to the League One strugglers.

South Wales Argus: Nathan Moriah-Welsh during Newport County's loss at MK DonsNathan Moriah-Welsh during Newport County's loss at MK Dons (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“We don't normally concede from set pieces, so that is a disappointment,” said Coughlan, referring to the opener from a corner.

“I thought we were really good in the first half, we got into some really good areas and created one or two opportunities.

“That was positive but play against clubs at a higher level, as we did against Leicester in the Carabao Cup, and they can go through the gears, when you have to stay with them. Now it's our job to get those fine margins to fall in our favour.”

County are now preparing for another clash with League One opposition, a club used to life at a higher level.

Derby County head to Rodney Parade for a tie in the second round of the FA Cup on Sunday in front of the ITV cameras.

“We are playing against a League One opponent with history and tradition who will bring a big following,” said Coughlan.

“It's a massive opportunity live on television, I'd love to be pulling my boots on and joining the lads.

We should be really excited by the challenge and opportunity.

“I'd much rather be competing in these fixtures than having weekends off and just training.”