PETER Nicholas and Newport County's amber army of fans would love to see this on a regular basis.

Chinese World Cup defender Fan Zhiyi, pictured, left Exiles fans drooling with his sublime touches and masterful display as County swept aside Welsh League Division Three Newport YMCA 8-1 last night in sensational fashion.

The 106-times-capped former China skipper oozed pure class and even got in on the goals - ramming home the Dr Martens League side's fifth in the rout.

Zhiyi, though, would "not comment" on any proposed switch to Newport Stadium but County manager Nicholas promised Newport fans he would do his level best to lure the 33-year-old to the club.

"We are still deep in negotiations," said Nicholas.

"He's a very good friend of mine and last night he showed all County fans his sheer quality. It's now up to me to try to persuade him to join permanently."

Zhiyi, released by Cardiff City at the end of last season, will only consider a move to County if he fails to attract attention from a Football League club before the start of the new season. His high wage demands could also prove a problem for County.

The Zhiyi side-show aside, County played some superb one-touch football.

Striker Neil Davis did what he does best, firing home a hat-trick inside 24 minutes.

Young striker John Phillips came on and scored the fourth before Zhiyi hit a net-buster from 25 yards for the fifth. The sixth was an Andrew Thomas header from Gareth Phillips' corner before trialist striker Kristian Hanbury netted the seventh. Midfielder Nathan Davies volleyed in the eighth.

County have injury scares with striker Mark Dickeson (thigh) and John Phillips (knee).

Newport YMCA: G Cottrell, L Spargo, L Walsh, G Lynch, C James, D Bidgood, J Pardue, D Beckett, L Sommers, A Stewart, S Edwards. Subs (all used) D Routley, R Wigmore, K Janrungsri Newport County: G Wesson, S Williams, T Evans, J Eckhardt, F Zhiyi, A Thomas, M Rose (c), G Phillips, N Davis, M Dickeson, C Rogers. Subs (all used) R Plant, J Phillips, R Idze, S O Brian, K Hanbury