ED Upson intends to keep doing things his own way at Newport County AFC after filling the big boots of playmaker Josh Sheehan.

The 31-year-old arrived at Rodney Parade from Bristol Rovers this summer to replace Wales international Sheehan, who left for League One and Bolton Wanderers after the Exiles’ League Two play-off final anguish.

It was a departure that was on the cards and the blow has been cushioned by the start made by the experienced Upson in amber.

The midfielder has kept County ticking along and it was no coincidence that his return from illness helped produce a dramatic turnaround from the 1-0 loss against Northampton to the 2-1 win against Walsall.

Sheehan dictated play, picked up the ball from deep and pinged around eye-catching passes but Upson is sticking to what has earned a long career in the EFL.

“I hadn’t seen much of last season but I’d heard good things about Josh, so there was always a bit of pressure,” he said.

“I've come in and not tried to be anyone else, I've just tried to be myself and hopefully people can see what I bring to the team.

“I'd like to think I bring calmness and experience of when to get on the ball, when to play and bring everyone else into the game. It's the sort of job that sometimes can go unnoticed, but it's an important one.”

Upson was forming a strong partnership with Scot Bennett until the stalwart suffered a broken bone in his foot.

That had led to a chance for 18-year-old Aneurin Livermore, who has made an eye-catching start to life in senior football.

South Wales Argus: PROMISING: Teenage County midfielder Aneurin LivermorePROMISING: Teenage County midfielder Aneurin Livermore

“He is a great kid and a lovely footballer,” said Upson, who came through the ranks at Ipswich in 2007.

“We miss ‘Benno’ but it’s nice to play in there with him, he has done a great job and long may that continue.

“Perhaps I am being that calming presence next to him but Aneurin is wise beyond his years because he is very calm too. You don’t get too much out of him in terms of emotion and he is solid on the ball.”

Calm in possession yet Livermore has already shown why his nickname inspired by a classy yet fiery former England and Manchester midfielder is apt.

“We call him Scholesy and his tackling is the same!” said Upson.

County are back on the road today when they make the long trip to Barrow, returning to south Wales after the clash at Holker Street.

The coach journey back will be enjoyable if they have something to show for their efforts. The aim is to repeat, or eclipse, the display that did for Walsall.

“That win was massive for us and just put the Northampton game to bed,” said Upson. “It was a pleasing result and performance.

“Hopefully it will kickstart us onto a little run now. It will be tough in Barrow, just like every game in League Two, but we just have to concentrate on ourselves and not worry about them too much.”