THE final pieces of Newport County's Nationwide Conference South jigsaw fell into place last night as former Cardiff City pair Jason Bowen and Scott Young signed deals and boss Peter Nicholas described their captures as "the icing on the cake".

The pair have impressed in County's pre-season fixtures alongside fellow new-boys Roger Freestone, Kevin Aherne-Evans, Jonathan Coates and Carl Wilson-Denis and Bowen revealed that the feeling is mutual.

The midfield sorcerer said: "I have been very impressed by what the chairman and the manager are trying to do here by bringing in the right type of player to have a real go (at promotion).

"I will be 32 next month and although league clubs came in for me, I am at a stage in my life when I don't want to uproot my family again (Bowen lives in Langstone) and it is good to be coming to a club that is going forward."

The former Bluebird, who also had a spell with Premiership side Southampton six years ago, represents an audacious signing coup for County and is one of the most glamorous signings for some time. But Bowen does not feel under any pressure despite already being elevated to talismanic status by the Newport fans.

He said: "I don't think that I have anything to prove because I have a lot of experience and a decent track record and hopefully I can help the club progress.

"The club have made a great effort to bring in players with league experience and hopefully that will count this season.

"There is the backbone of a strong side and also several good young players as well. If everyone can stay fit we will be able to have a right good crack at it."

Former Bluebird legend Scott Young is also delighted to be part of Peter Nicholas new-look side. The towering midfielder is feeling the effects of three games in a week but he admitted that he can't wait for the big kick-off.

He said: "This is a new chapter in my life and I am really looking forward to it. There is the makings of a good squad and hopefully we can gel together and have a go at promotion.

"It is an exciting time and people are talking about Newport County again. I can't wait for the season to get started."

County boss Peter Nicholas could be forgiven for thinking that he has been celebrating Christmas all summer with all his main signing targets coming to Spytty Park.

He said: "Make no mistake, these are quality signings. The icing on the cake.

"They have been here for the last few weeks and shown a great attitude in training and hopefully we now have the makings of a good side that will take us on to better things."