NEWPORT County striker Craig Hughes (pictured) is backing the Exiles to move clear of the relegation zone, starting with a victory at Carshalton today (kick-off 3pm).

Hughes, who has seen his strike partnership with Cortez Belle terminated after Belle's move to Llanelli, is also confident that he is the man who will score the goals to move his side away from trouble.

Hughes has operated on the right of a front three in recent weeks, but will return to his more natural position of centre forward today as Jason Bowen is set to return to the side.

It is a move that is sure to benefit Hughes, who admits he is more comfortable playing through the middle.

He explained: "I have been playing on the right and don't mind it at all, I would happily play wherever I'm needed, but I am most comfortable as a central striker.

"I am feeling increasingly fit after a long absence from the game and am relishing the coming run of games (County play five times in the next fortnight) because I have a hunger to play and a hunger to win.

"We are tired of underachieving, playing well and dominating games and getting nothing out of them, we want to start winning as a habit and I know we will do it.

"The next two league games against Carshalton and Maidenhead are vital and we know it. This is the perfect time to put a run of wins together."

Hughes admits the departure of Belle puts more pressure on him to deliver up-front, but insists he is more than ready to take on extra goal-scoring responsibility.

"I've not scored as many as I'd have liked too but now that Cortez has left there is a big responsibility for me to get more goals and I will , especially now Bows (Bowen) is back to provide the ammunition," he said.

"Cortez will be missed by everyone because he was a very popular bloke, but we've been told the deal is best for all parties and Cortez is happy so we wish him all the best.

"It just gives an opportunity to other players, for example Tyrone Toppar, who I've really enjoyed playing with recently.

"He is very direct, full of pace and has a good footballing brain. He can be a real star.

"With him and Bowen providing chances, hopefully we will start to score far more often."

Defender Paul Cochlin is County's only injury victim, missing out with a knee problem, but Gareth Warton and Bowen should both be fit. New signing Stuart Edwards is also available.

County (from) Pennock, Blackburn, T Evans, Bater, Hillier, Warton, Edwards, Davies, Williams, Green, Hughes, Toppar, Bowen, O'Sullivan, D Evans, Hearne, Bradley, Prosser.