STRIKER Matt Green has admitted he's finding it strange being used as a target man, because three years ago he was told he was too small for League football!

The 19-year-old former England schoolboy international has been the most improved performer for Newport County this season, impressing with his never-say-die attitude and terrific workrate, something he'll need in today's vital home Nationwide Conference South clash with Lewes (kick-off 3pm).

The youngster started the season as fourth-choice striker at Spytty Park, but has been transformed into a vital component of the team, a player very much in the image of manager Peter Beadle.

And difficult as it has been for Green (who has been suffering with tendonitis in his right knee since pre-season) to play so many games at such a young age, he wouldn't change a thing.

He explained: "Bristol City let me go at 16 for being too small (he was 5ft 5in) and it seemed like the end of the world.

"Obviously now I am not too small (6ft 1in), I play as the taller striker in this side and it is an important part of my role to win headers, it is unusual for me to do it, but I would happily play anywhere to get a game!

"The fact that the manager (Peter Beadle) was a similar kind of striker is really useful for me, he gives me fantastic advice and any improvements I have shown in recent weeks are definitely down to him."

While Green is modest enough to credit Beadle with his impressive recent form, no-one else can be credited when it comes to Green's effort and commitment, his work rate is simply superb.

"I have obviously never played two or three games a week before in my career and it does take a toll on my knee, it is very sore after each game," he said. But 'Fitzy' (John Fitzgerald, physio) knows how to settle it down and I just have to forget about the knee, I love football so much I just can't let it affect me."

Green has also been delighted to establish a partnership with Craig Hughes and admits that both of County's front-runners have set targets for how many goals they are looking to score this season.

"Craig is much older than me and very experienced, he has also taught me a lot," he said.

At the start of the season, Cortez Belle, Mark Draycott and Nick Harrhy were all ahead of me in the pecking order, but now I am established in the team I have set myself a target of how many I want to score, I know Craig has as well.

"But the most important thing is for the team to keep improving and picking up points. We are not thinking about relegation, we have been unlucky this season and I know we are good enough to steer clear of trouble."

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