THE signing of Billy Jones means the pressure is off Ryan Jackson to fill Andy Sandell’s boots on his own but the defender believes he can still add something to the team.

Jackson, naturally a right wing-back, has filled in for the injured Sandell on the left in the last two matches for Newport County AFC.

Jones, who arrived at Rodney Parade yesterday as a free agent after his release by Cheltenham Town, is expected to start at left wing-back against Morcambe tomorrow.

But Jackson, who has been praised by manager Justin Edinburgh for playing out of position, still believes he has a part to play for the Exiles.

“It’s obviously different for me because I’m right-footed and it’s the first time I’ve ever played on the left,” said the 23-year-old.

“Andy Sandell has been a great player for us. He’s a left-footed player so it’s a bit difficult for me to do what he would do but I’m enjoying it.

“I think it gives the team something different,” he added.

“I’m cutting inside from the left and hopefully I can get my first goal. I’m working on my shooting in training!”

The former AFC Wimbledon and Macclesfield defender can also fill in for captain David Pipe at right wing-back and he is loving life in South Wales.

“It’s been good so far,” he said. “I knew a few of the lads before I came and they’ve made me feel welcome.

“I knew Christian Jolley, Ismail Yakubu, Max Porter and Lee Minshull from Wimbledon. I knew they were good players and I knew that Newport played with wing-backs, which is good for me.

“That makes you settle in quickly on and off the pitch because I also know how the boys play already.”

Jackson says the team is determined to make up for last Saturday’s disappointing 1-1 home draw with Mansfield Town with three points against visiting Morcambe tomorrow.

“I feel like we were the better team on the day and once we went ahead I think we should have seen out the game but they wanted to have a scrap and we got drawn into that. It’s a lesson for us,” he said of the draw against the Stags.

“But we don’t really focus on the opposition too much; we focus more on ourselves and what we’re going to do. That is obviously work hard and get the win.”