NEWPORT County AFC’s newest recruit Ryan Jackson is hoping that the sky is the limit for the Exiles.

Jackson is hoping to never again taste non-league football, with Justin Edinburgh’s men ending a 25-year wait by once again dining a la carte in the Football League.

The 22-year-old has agreed a one-year deal at Rodney Parade after a spell last term with Macclesfield Town in the Conference, playing 40 games including twice against Newport.

The move has not yet been confirmed by County due to confusion over whether Macclesfield are owed compensation but Exiles boss Edinburgh expects the deal to be signed and sealed shortly.

Jackson came through the ranks at AFC Wimbledon, helping them to promotion from the Conference, and has also had loan spells at Fleetwood Town and Cambridge United.

Star striker Christian Jolley has tipped his ex-Dons teammate to be a big hit at Rodney Parade and to push David Pipe for the Exiles’ right-back berth.

Jackson though is solely concentrating on making every minute count in an amber shirt.

“Moving to Newport was ideal for me. I wanted to get back into the Football League after what I felt was a good season for me at Macclesfield,” he said.

“Obviously Newport is ideal because they are a good club on the up and I know quite a few of the players as well, which is excellent.

“We dipped in form last season at Macclesfield, maybe because of the decent cup run (Macclesfield got to the FA Cup fourth round and lost to eventual winners Wigan) but that’s in the past and now I’m hoping it’s onwards and upwards.”

The glimpse of the big time in the FA Cup has made Jackson anxious for more.

“I played in the Wigan game in the FA Cup, (Jackson missed their triumph over Cardiff City through suspension) it gives you that taste, you want to play as high as possible and enjoy the big occasions.”

Jackson feels what he saw of Newport last season means he’ll be an ideal fit into the squad.

“I think the way they play suits me down to a tee,” he added. ‘They like a lot of width and with wing-backs or full-backs getting forward and I feel it’ll suit me well.

“I spoke to Christian Jolley when we went away on England C and he spoke glowingly about the club, as did Max Porter, so it was an easy decision.

“It’s a small squad, lots of quality with two players in every position battling it out and that’s ideal as a player,” he said.

“It’s a situation all the boys are happy and comfortable with so it makes it better for the team as a whole.”