TWO-GOAL hero Shane McLoughlin says his match-winning brace for Newport County AFC against Oldham Athletic has boosted his confidence and he’s ready to let fly more often.

McLoughlin has just eight goals in 176 career appearances, but now has three in an amber shirt since his summer arrival from Salford.

September’s stunner against Barrow in League Two showed what he is capable of, but the recent switch to three central defenders has allowed the 26-year-old more freedom to get forward and he took full advantage against the Latics.

“It’s definitely a day I’ll remember,” said the Irishman. “It’s the first FA Cup goals for me, so it’s a special day.

“It’s been difficult with the injuries because we’ve had to do what we can to try to get through a tough period, but the last couple of weeks playing that formation has given me more license to get forward and help the attack.

“I think I just need to start believing in myself a bit more in and around the box and have more shots, because I’ve seen them going in now. Hopefully there’s more to come.”

McLoughlin is hoping his goals will be the catalyst for another exciting FA Cup run for the club.

“It was a good performance from the lads,” he said after the victory over Oldham. “It was a tough game because they’re a good side. I know they’re the league below, but by no means are they a National League side – they’re a big club with some good players.

We’re happy to get through with a clean sheet and two goals.

“Hopefully we can go further. This club is synonymous with it and hopefully we can cause a few upsets along the way.”

County will host another National League outfit – Barnet – at Rodney Parade in the second round in the first weekend of December before they can dream of taking on Premier League opposition in the third round.

But League Two is the priority and McLoughlin hopes the Exiles can build on the cup win and the 2-0 victory at Gillingham the week before as they return to league action at home to MK Dons this weekend.

“We’re stepping on the gas a little bit now with two clean sheets in our last three games,” said McLoughlin.

“We’ll have to get ready for the next game now. There will be a few knocks and bruises and we’ll have to get everyone right to go again.”

After a hectic October with eight games in 29 days, County are enjoying a rare Tuesday without a fixture today.

“For the most part it’s go, go, go,” said McLoughlin. “But that’s what we relish; we love playing games here [at Rodney Parade] and we’ve got to get the body right to go again now.”