Nominee Gwengwe deserves credit, says Newport boss

Newport County boss Hayden Mullins believes Shaquille Gwengwe's League Two player of the month nomination was a reward for his impressive adaptation to life in the English Football League (EFL).

Gwengwe scored four goals in August after joining the Exiles from Southern League Premier South side Poole Town, where he hit 47 goals last season.

The 25-year-old has been commended for taking the steep step up in his stride, and Mullins heaped praise on Gwengwe's willingness to learn.

"[It was] rightly deserved, with four goals in five games. He works incredibly hard," the County boss said.

"He always wants to work on areas of his game which he feels might help him to develop.

"He's not come into the group and sat back; he's come in, and he really wants to push.

"He's got a lot to learn, but he's really open and wants to improve. His product is the by-product of all his hard work."

Gwengwe was nominated alongside Barnet's Charlie Larkin and Crewe striker Josh March and York City's Harry Boyes - the award winner.

While Gwengwe has spoken of his preference to play through the middle, all four of his goals came while playing in a wide role for Newport.

Mullins believes the forward can eventually become just as effective as a central striker.

"The good thing is he is open-minded. Wherever he can get into the team, he'll play and try and do a job," he added.

"He could be equally effective through the middle, but maybe we have to change a few things to help that.

"He's jumped a lot of levels very quickly and with every game he's gaining more experience.

"Once he figures out the different challenges at this level, there's no reason why he couldn't play as the nine."

Midfielder Ciaran Brennan has also been impressed by Gwengwe's impact, describing the former non-league standout as a game changer.

"Shaq definitely knows where the goal is, so when he's on the pitch there's always half a chance that he might sniff something out," Brennan said.

Newport will also hope to have experienced striker Christian Doidge back from injury again against unbeaten Fleetwood Town on Saturday, 12 September.

Doidge has missed the last two games, during which time the Exiles scored only once, having netted eight times in their opening three fixtures.

The former Carmarthen Town striker has been passed fit by County staff, and has enjoyed a full week of training.

"Doidge gives us a real good out," said Mullins. "He's an experienced campaigner and a different player to Shaq.

"He knows his way around a back line, helps us get up the pitch and gives us a platform to build from."

And Mullins has not ruled out pairing the in-form Gwengwe with Doidge - especially as three of Gwengwe's four goals were scored while Doidge was also on the pitch.