Will Evans can be Newport County goal threat - Coughlan

The 25-year-old has enjoyed an excellent first campaign with the Exiles after making the step up from the Cymru Premier.

Evans, caught the eye with Cardiff Met and then Bala, has featured in 44 of 45 League Two fixtures with 26 of those appearances as a starter.

His debut was as a left-back to cope with Sutton’s physicality on opening day but the mid-Walian then moved up front.

Evans has scored four goals but the last of them was in Coughlan’s first game in charge against Colchester on October 22.

On that occasion he was Omar Bogle’s strike partner but he has recently moved back to the flank because of Adam Lewis’ season-ending injury and the desire to field Aaron Lewis in central midfield.

Evans has been urged to look across the pitch to the right to see where he can make improvements to his game next season – with Cameron Norman currently having five goals for the campaign.

County's Will Evans (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“Will is a very offensive player and that is why we have put him on the left, he can get up and down that side of the field,” said Coughlan.

“He is a great outlet and I’d love to see him coming in at the back stick a little bit more, like Cameron has this season.

“I worked very hard when I went into Sheffield United with that system and I would love to get Will on the same line as Cameron, who goes in on the back stick and attacks the ball.

“I want to get him in there and scoring goals, picking up bits and pieces in the box and being more of an offensive threat than maybe a defender for us.

“I want our wing-backs to be going forward – I am quite happy with three defenders.”

Evans’ work rate has shone throughout the season and with experience he has developed in terms of the finer details that are needed in the Football League.

Will Evans with County boss Graham Coughlan (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“It’s Will’s first season as a pro so it has been massive learning curve for him,” said Coughlan. “He’s had to get used to the physicality and intensity levels every game.

“He started a lot of games when we came in up front and is dangerous, physical, runs and is an honest kid.

“We just need to develop, coach him and improve his quality. He’s a great lad to work with the rest of the squad love him – he has an infectious enthusiasm and is a vital part of anything we are trying to do.”

Coughlan is trying to help Evans develop as a wing-back but won’t pigeonhole him given County’s squad size.

“It’s brilliant that him and Aaron Lewis can fill in in various positions. All good teams and squads need those utility players that are comfortable in several positions,” said the manager.