JAMIE Stephens looks set to start the season as Newport County AFC number one and boss Justin Edinburgh has backed him to shine.

The 19-year-old former Liverpool Academy player did not expect to be the Exiles’ first choice goalkeeper when he arrived at Rodney Parade via Welsh Premier League side Airbus UK.

But with regular stopper Lenny Pidgeley unavailable for pre-season due to personal problems, Stephens has grabbed his chance.

And, after he impressed in friendly matches, Edinburgh will have no doubts about throwing the youngster in at the deep end against Accring-ton Stanley tomorrow. “Jamie Stephens has done really well,” said the boss.

“Lenny had some personal issues and he’s overcoming them now. He’s been back in training now for a week and I’ll assess that situation right up to kick-off. Whoever plays I have every confidence but I think Jamie is edging it at the moment. He’s holding the baton.

“Age doesn’t concern me,” he added. “I showed that with Lee Evans and Andrew Hughes. You have to learn by playing.

“It might go well or it might not but that won’t be for lack of ability and I have no doubt that he is more than capable of playing League football.”

Stephens is confident in his ability if he does get the nod to play tomorrow ahead of Pidgeley and fellow new signing James Bittner.

“It should be a great occasion with the club being back in the League after 25 years and hopefully a good game as well,” he said.

“I’ve been training hard and hopefully I’ve done enough to get the start but I don’t know yet.

“I’ll prepare as I do every week before games. Things happen in football and you’ve got to be ready.

“Hopefully I can improve as a player and as a person and do well for the team.

“Pre-season has been great. We’ve gone unbeaten and that is good for confidence and shows that the manager’s tactics are working.

“First team football is very different from youth team football and it is just a privilege to be here really.”

Stephens is enjoying training with Pidgeley and Bittner and is looking forward to an exciting season.

“Bitts is a great bloke and a top goalkeeper,” he added.

“I’m a Forest Green fan so I used to watch him at the New Lawn – not that he likes me reminding him that I watched him when I was a kid!

“He’s 12 years older than me and we have a laugh about that but him and Lenny Pidgeley are great guys and great keepers and I can only learn from training with them.

“Everyone feeds off each other and I pick up little things in training every day.”