LOAN star Seb Palmer-Houlden isn’t taking his Newport County AFC starting spot for granted at the end of an impressive season in which he has learnt from injury torment and locking horns with World Cup winners.
The 19-year-old is poised to lead the line alongside top scorer Will Evans when the Exiles attempt to boost their League Two play-off bid at MK Dons on Saturday.
Palmer-Houlden has been a key figure for County and his exploits this week earned a two-year extension on his Bristol City contract through to at least 2027.
The physical teenager has been a firm fixture in Graham Coughlan’s line-up and County’s points per game figure in league fixtures is 1.80 with him in the side and 1.44 overall.
However, Palmer-Houlden is taking nothing for granted with January signing Luke Jephcott and fit-again Offrande Zanzala on the bench and last season’s top scorer Omar Bogle on the comeback trail.
“I just want to stay in the starting XI. That was my was goal at the start of the season and I don't want to change that,” said the youngster, who scored the winners in recent wins against Doncaster, Wrexham and Swindon.
“If the goals come then great but I just want to put in good performances every week and do the best as I can.”
Palmer-Houlden has reaped the rewards of being sent out for game time by the Robins, racking up 28 appearances and scoring seven times.
He also got the chance to test himself against some of the very best courtesy of the run in the FA Cup that pitted County against Manchester United.
“It was probably the hardest game that I have played in,” he said. “Playing against [Raphael] Varane and [Lisandro] Martinez was amazing, two World Cup winners.
“Their game knowledge was amazing and that showed, it was a brilliant experience for me and hopefully I get more in the future.”
The striker previously spent time on loan at Chippenham and Yeovil but this is a first season in the Football League.
“The physicality and step up from under-21s to men's professional football is incredible,” he said.
“You are battling for three points against centre-halves who are massive compared to maybe more technical ones that play in the academies. It's been a really good learning experience for me.”
“With this loan spell I feel that I have got integrated with the team more, and integrated with the fans,” he continued.
“It's been a really good feeling. The players, the manager, everyone has treated me so well and given me the opportunity to play my best and show what I can do.”
Palmer-Houlden's hard work has also earned a song to the tune of the White Stripes' 'Seven Nation Army' (sickeningly, he was born after the song was released in 2003).
"It always feels special to have a chant, especially when you are as young as me and you've just gone to the club," he said.
The youngster, who has been in frequent contact with Bristol City academy director Brian Tinnion and pathway manager Matt Hewlett, has also developed from a first taste of injury disappointment.
Palmer-Houlden suffered a serious hamstring tear when he rushed straight into a sprint after coming off the bench in the Carabao Cup clash with Premier League Brentford.
A promising start to life at Rodney Parade was ended when he was sidelined from late August until mid-November.
“It was a setback, especially as it was my first game against a Premier League team,” said Palmer-Houlden, who did his rehab in Bristol.
“In my opinion I have come back stronger, better and faster. It was a really good learning experience and I am a lot better for it.”
Palmer-Houlden will aim to show that for 14 games with County, and possibly more if they sneak into the top seven.
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