Nathan Wood aims to be a Newport County risk-taker in League Two

The attacking midfielder is enjoying a first taste of the Football League after his exploits in the Cymru Premier with Penybont earned a two-year contract.

The 25-year-old, who was on the books of the Exiles as a youngster before being released, has made 11 appearances in all competitions.

Just three of them – the League Two trip to Swindon and the EFL Trophy games against Cheltenham, when he scored the opener, and West Ham Under-21s – have been as a starter.

Wood is likely to be on the bench again this afternoon when MK Dons head to Rodney Parade (kick-off 3pm) but he will hope to get the chance to build on his 25-minute outing in the FA Cup win against Oldham last weekend.

The midfielder is keen to just keep building after heeding the advice of some experienced teammates.

Nathan Wood driving forward with Newport County against West Ham U21s (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“Aaron Wildig told me to find what I am good at and stick to it rather than trying to be a complete player,” said Wood.

“Yes, you need to work on weaknesses but I am here because of my strengths, so need to use them. It's been a process of finding what my strengths are after the step up.

"I've used that mindset to try and be more positive on the pitch and hopefully that will stand me in good stead when I come off the bench.

“I believe in myself to make an impact and to contribute positively with goals, assists and good performances. I can still add to the team coming off the bench, whether for one minute or 35.”

Wood, Will Evans, James Waite and Priestley Farquharson have shown that County value the quality of the Cymru Premier.

However, the latest recruit admits to have been a little risk-averse after making the step up to League Two.

DELIGHT: Nathan Wood celebrates his first goal for County at Cheltenham (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“When I first came in I was a little bit safe and I didn’t want to lose the ball,” said Wood. “I've got to realise that everybody loses the ball, even in League Two, and it’s what you do with it when things do come off.

“The more positive you are, the more things come off. I'd like to think I've been a bit more prepared to take risks.”

Wood is mentally getting used to being an EFL professional and also feels he is physically getting used to the demands.

“There was always going to be a transition period,” he said. “It takes time to get used to training every single day and my body has started to fully adjust to it.

“I feel a little bit stronger and hopefully I will get more minutes as the season progresses; I know that if I continue to work hard then the manager will give me the chances.

“It's a cliche, but it's about the team getting points and if I can contribute then that's a bonus.”

League Two fixtures: AFC Wimbledon v Doncaster, Bradford v Barrow, Colchester v Sutton, Crawley v Accrington, Crewe v Notts County, Grimsby v Morecambe, Newport County v MK Dons, Salford v Mansfield, Swindon v Stockport, Tranmere v Forest Green, Walsall v Harrogate, Wrexham v Gillingham.