NEW signing Ryan Burge has played in Japan and Spain in an itinerant career but he can’t wait to make Newport County AFC home.

The midfielder, who signed for County last week, looks set to make his debut against Mansfield Town tomorrow.

And, having been without a club since leaving Port Vale in controversial circumstances in April, he’s looking forward to running out at Rodney Parade.

“I can’t wait to get back. Once you’ve had a break you do miss it so I can’t wait to play,” he said, referring to his departure from Vale Park after a row with manager Micky Adams.

“I’ve not been here long but I’m enjoying it. They are a good bunch of lads. It’s a friendly club and I’m happy to be here.

“I played in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Exeter on Monday and it was good to get a game in straight away and get to know the boys as quickly as possible.

“It helps to learn how the team likes to play and how the players play as well, to get an understanding.

“I’m feeling good,” he added. “I’ve been doing a lot of fitness work but obviously nothing beats playing in an actual match.

“I want to play every game like most players and if selected I’m ready to go.

“I’m just enjoying being part of a club again and looking forward to playing at Rodney Parade.”

The 24-year-old from Cheltenham has played for the likes of Birmingham City, Barnet and Doncaster Rovers before Port Vale but also had brief spells at Machida Zelvia in Tokyo and Jerez Industrial in Spain.

“Tokyo came about because my step mum is Japanese so it was easy to communicate with the guys over there,” he explained.

“Spain was after Japan when I went training with the Glenn Hoddle Academy.

“It has all helped me with my career, getting different perspectives because everyone does things slightly differently wherever you go.

“But I’m not looking to move on anywhere now. I’m grateful that this club has given me an opportunity and it’s something I want to be part of.”