MIKE Flynn didn’t believe he’d start another game for his hometown club but he’s bursting with pride to be back as captain.

The veteran midfielder was riding high in December with winning goals at Portsmouth and Wycombe Wanderers.

But he’s been a bit-part player since the turn of the year and last month was told by manager Justin Edinburgh that he wouldn’t be getting a new contract to remain at Rodney Parade next season.

Flynn was surprised to earn a recall to the starting XI at Torquay United on Saturday and shocked to be handed the captain’s armband but he couldn’t hide his delight after leading the Exiles to a much-needed 1-0 win.

“I definitely want to be involved,” said the 33-year-old, ahead of tonight’s home clash with struggling Bury.

“I wasn’t sure I’d get the chance to start again and I’ve been down but I’ve not let it show.

“It was a very, very proud moment for me to be captain.”

Flynn insists that his impending exit from the club will not affect his performances between now and the end of the League Two campaign.

“I’ve got to be honest it didn’t come into my head,” he said. “I didn’t for one minute think ‘right, I’m not going to be here next year’ and let it affect my performance.

“I won’t let Newport down because it’s in my heart. I’m a Newport boy and I’m Newport through and through and I’ll always give 100 per cent, whether it’s my first game or my last.”

Does Flynn believe he can convince Edinburgh to reverse his decision?

“Only the gaffer can answer that,” he said. “I know I can do a job next season and I’ve said that to him.

“All I can do is go out and give my all and try to make him realise I’ve got something to offer next season.”

Edinburgh said: “This question keeps arising but decisions were made for football reasons.

“Flynny has been a fantastic player and still can be; he’s shown that on Saturday.

“He excelled and I had no hesitation in giving him the armband and I know that he relished that.”