NEW signing Chris Zebroski is ready to embrace the role of heir to Aaron O’Connor’s throne as he aims to be Newport County AFC’s top scorer this season.

With O’Connor sidelined for up to two months, Zebroski knows that the pressure is on him and fellow striker Christian Jolley to get the Exiles off to a flying start in their debut season in League Two.

The ex-Bristol Rovers front man made a good first impression on County home fans with a first-half brace against a Reading XI in Tony Gilbert’s testimonial at Spytty Park on Tuesday.

Lee Minshull’s last-minute header earned County a 3-3 draw after Reading had fought back to lead 3-2, but the star of the show was Zebroski.

The 26-year-old, who was denied a hat-trick by the woodwork, declared himself happy to get off the mark for his new club.

“I was unlucky to hit the post and not get the hat-trick but hopefully I’m saving some for the season proper,” he said.

“It’s always good to get that first goal for a new club and to get two is even better.

“That was my first 90 minutes and I’m feeling sharp.

“And Conor (Washington) played well too. I thought we linked up well and we started to put a good partnership together.”

Zebroski, who played for Cheltenham Town and Eastleigh last season, will be competing with Jolley, Washington and Danny Crow for a starting place in O’Connor’s absence and he’s confident he can step up to the plate. “If Aaron is going to miss the start of the season then maybe there’s a chance for me,” he said. “I’ve just got to keep myself fit and raring to go and hopefully give the manager a selection headache.

“There are a lot of forwards at the club and all I can do is score goals and hopefully give the gaffer a problem.”

Zebroski is looking forward to life in League Two with Justin Edinburgh’s men after Sunday’s final pre-season friendly against Aston Villa at Rodney Parade.

“It’s great for Newport to be in the Football League and there will be a lot of games against local rivals so that will be exciting for everyone,” he added.

“I’m just looking forward to getting started after the Aston Villa game.

“I played against Villa in the FA Cup with Bristol Rovers last season so I know what a great team they are and they will give us a good test ahead of the first game against Accrington Stanley.

“We’re unbeaten in pre-season so far and we want to keep that going.”

Edinburgh praised Zebroski after his two-goal display against the Royals.

“Strikers always want to get off the mark and for him to bag a couple is a big boost for his confidence,” said the Exiles boss.

“I’m pleased for him because his all round game has deserved goals and he and Conor Washington were a menace all night against Reading.

“I think we were tested against a real quality side with some fantastic movement and I was really pleased with the outcome,” he added.

“We looked physically and mentally fit and that was pleasing.”

Edinburgh was not able to tie up the deal to sign ex-Macclesfield Town defender Ryan Jackson yesterday but he was impressed with the 22-year-old on Tuesday and is confident of completing the signing this week.

“I thought Ryan Jackson did very well and we hope to sign him up to give us that cover that we wanted for David Pipe,” he said.

“We just need to finalise the paperwork and I don’t forsee there being a problem.

“We’re looking at another midfield option as well but that would be a loan move so we’ll have to wait and see how that progresses.

“If we go into the season with the squad I have I’d be absolutely delighted.

“But if the right player came along we’d like to make the move.”

l County striker Christian Jolley will be helping to raise money for Diabetes UK from 1.30pm today at the Tesco store in the Harlech Retail Park, Cardiff Road, Newport.