THIERRY Nevers says his spell with Newport County AFC ‘toughened him up’ as he prepares for a League Two promotion push.

The 20-year-old West Ham United forward has swapped Rodney Parade for Bradford City halfway through the campaign.

The fifth-placed Bantams have snapped up the Hammers prospect after losing the influential Tyreik Wright, who was recalled by parent club Aston Villa and then sold to League One promotion hopefuls Plymouth Argyle.

Nevers was signed on a season-long loan by the Exiles when striker Offrande Zanzala suffered a serious hamstring injury in August.

He ended with 17 appearances but was a fringe figure after Graham Coughlan took over from James Rowberry, with the longest of his cameos off the bench just 22 minutes.

However, Nevers believes he can reap the rewards of an enjoyable and invaluable time in Newport, his first spell away from West Ham.

South Wales Argus: Thierry Nevers on the run for Newport CountyThierry Nevers on the run for Newport County (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“It fixed me up well, especially mentally, to be in a first-team environment,” he said to Bradford’s Telegraph and Argus.

“I learned how to deal with myself in a men’s environment, in training every day, match days, and just being professional.

“It did toughen me up a lot. It’s a fast education and that’s fine by me.

“You learn a lot about yourself, how you can handle staying away from home and out of your comfort zone.

“But everywhere is different, different standards, different place, a different type of club but my few days here have been excellent.”

Nevers got a very late appearance off the bench against Rochdale on Tuesday when Bradford were chasing a leveller in added time.

South Wales Argus: Bradford boss Mark HughesBradford boss Mark Hughes

Former Wales boss Mark Hughes is relishing the chance to give the rapid winger a proper opportunity to show what he can do.

“He’s going to get good game time and I’m sure he’ll push me to play him,” said the Bantams boss ahead of their trip to Wimbledon.

“He’s got good outright pace, he can go inside or out and wants to score goals.

“He’s not dissimilar to Tyreik and that was obviously the attraction of him. We feel he’s a very similar player to Ty and hopefully he can be as successful for us.”