MANCHESTER United hot prospect Charlie McNeill has been backed to show there is more to his game than goals after moving on loan to Newport County AFC.

The 19-year-old striker is poised to make his League Two debut for the Exiles in Saturday’s clash with Swindon at Rodney Parade (kick-off 12.45pm).

The signing of McNeill is a coup for County, who are attempting to stretch away from the relegation zone in the fourth tier.

The bright prospect and fellow deadline day arrival Calum Kavanagh, who is on loan from Middlesbrough, are charged with adding attacking threat to a side that has scored just nine goals in open play this season.

McNeill was said to have scored over 600 goals in age-grade football for Manchester City before making a £750,000 move to the Red Devils.

The striker has been just as prolific for United and scored three times in five EFL Trophy appearances this season then struck a brace in a clash with Feyenoord before signing for County.

“Charlie’s two goals show his class,” said Exiles boss Graham Coughlan, who worked with United academy coach David Hughes and loan manager Les Parry to get the deal done.

“He had gone through a little bit of a barren spell but never stopped working, running, offering himself and running down the sides.

“What he did for the team through that barren spell was really positive. He has then gone and got some goals and, bang, he is a back to his best.

“I hope people judge him on what he does in a Newport jersey rather than the club that he has come from.”

McNeill, who made his senior debut against Real Sociedad in the Europa League in October, heads to Newport from a football powerhouse while Kavanagh is the son of Cardiff City legend Graham.

South Wales Argus: LOANEE: County forward Calum KavanaghLOANEE: County forward Calum Kavanagh (Image: Newport County AFC)

“It’s tough when people compare kids to their parents. I would like to speak about Calum on his merits rather than his dad’s,” said Coughlan.

“They are in totally different positions and totally different players even if they have some of the same characteristics, mannerisms and professionalism.”

McNeill and Kavanagh are poised to be in the matchday squad against Swindon but the manager has pleaded for patience.

Omar Bogle, Offrande Zanzala and Will Evans are the other options up front with Coughlan stressing there is no guarantee that the Premier League and Championship prospects will dazzle at a lower level.

“They are young lads and we can’t expect too much of them too soon,” said the former centre-back.

“We can’t heap pressure on them, they have come in to help us and add to our already strong firepower.

“What people need to understand is that when you go into the under-23 or under-21 market, any player is a gamble.

“Some pay off, some don’t. It’s about setting the right environment and culture for them to come into with the right work ethic.

“Calum and Charlie have come here because they will fit into our dressing room. They are what we were looking for with that work ethic and commitment, they play on the edge.

“This club has been fortunate in that it has been built around top, prolific strikers. We are just hoping that maybe two from our strikers can step up and create some personal history.

“If it’s not Charlie or Calum, hopefully it’s Oz, Omar or Will.”