NEWPORT County AFC striker Dom Telford has been rewarded for his spectacular form with the League Two player of the month award for October.

Telford scored eight goals in six appearances last month, including a hat-trick in the 5-0 thrashing of Stevenage and braces in the victory at Bristol Rovers and the home draw with Carlisle United.

Overall, the 24-year-old has 10 goals in 11 appearances so far this season and he will be hoping to add to that tally as County take on Hartlepool United at Victoria Park tonight.

It’s been quite a turnaround for the former Plymouth Argyle and Bury front man, who appeared to be surplus to requirements under previous boss Michael Flynn in the summer.

But Telford forced his way back into Flynn’s plans, scoring against Plymouth and Leyton Orient in August and September, before flourishing under new manager James Rowberry.

“I can’t take any credit – that's down to Wayne [Hatswell] and the guys who were here before me,” said Rowberry.

“He’s a great lad, he comes in with a smile on his face and he makes me laugh. The lads love him and he works hard on the training pitch every day, always wanting to get better. He’s always asking questions.

“I know Dom will continue on that journey and continue to get better and better. He’s still only 24 so he’s got to keep going.”

Captain Matty Dolan is also full of praise for Telford’s work ethic.

“He’s been exceptional and he deserves a lot of credit,” said the skipper. “He’s kept his head down and kept working hard.

“He was fantastic that year Bury got promoted. He’s a goalscorer but he also links play fantastically well.

“He deserves all the accolades but I’m sure, if you ask Dom, he’ll want to get player of the month next month and the month after.

“It’s been a while since we had a 20-goal-a-season striker here and that’s what he will be looking to do, and Courtney [Baker-Richardson] as well who has been fantastic.”