BARRY Town United boss Gavin Chesterfield believes Newport County AFC have got an exciting talent on their hands in striker Momodou Touray.
The 19-year-old is impressing on a season-long loan at Jenner Park, with 12 goals in 27 appearances in the Welsh Premier League and 14 in all competitions.
His goals have helped Barry to third in the WPL table with four games to go, and Touray is set to lead the line as they take on The New Saints in the semi-final of the Welsh Cup in Newtown on Saturday night (kick-off 7.30pm).
Chesterfield cannot speak highly enough of County’s talented teenager.
“He’s a great lad,” said the Barry boss. “He’s bought into how we conduct ourselves, how we work and how we like to play.
“It’s not easy for a young lad coming up against some strong defenders in this league.
“It’s not the Football League, but it’s a tough division to score in and he’s got 14 goals in total.
“But Modou offers a lot more than goals. He’s very good with his back to goal and he brings people into play.
“I’d say he’s more of a nine-and-a-half than a number nine or a number 10.”
Touray started out in the County in the Community futsal team before going on to become a key part of Byron Anthony’s talented Youth Alliance Merit League-winning under-18 side in 2017.
He enjoyed a loan spell with Merthyr Town last season and a ‘work experience trial’ with Premier League Leicester City in January 2018 before signing his first professional contract with the Exiles in April last year.
Exiles boss Michael Flynn handed him his League Two debut at Carlisle United last May before sending him to Barry, one of his former clubs, in July.
“Flynny is very wily with player development,” said Chesterfield. “He knows what players need and it’s been brilliant for Modou and for the club.
“It’s been really good for his development.
“He’s still got a lot of growing to do, but there’s no doubt he’s got ability.
“He’s different to the norm – he’s not a traditional academy player, and I mean that in a good way.
“He’s working with great people at Newport and he’s progressing through the Wales age groups as well.
“I’m excited to see what he can achieve.”
Touray, who was born in The Gambia but raised in Newport, was the first WPL player to be called up to the Wales under-21s squad since 2009 and he made his debut against Switzerland at Rodney Parade last October.
“It was a very proud moment for us and Newport when he earned his first Wales under-21 cap earlier this season and I know Rob Page is pleased with him,” added Chesterfield, who is keen to build on the club’s relationship with the Exiles.
“Modou trains with us on Tuesdays and Thursdays and with Newport on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays so he’s still getting the benefit of full-time training.
“It’s a relationship that we’d like to keep growing, because we can give players the exposure to continue their development and it hopefully benefits all parties.”
Barry’s final game of the season is scheduled for April 26, meaning Touray could be available for County’s home clash with Oldham Athletic on April 30 and the trip to Morecambe on May 4 before his contract expires in June.
But Chesterfield’s men could still be involved in a post-season play-off for a Europa League place for the 2019-2020 campaign.
“Considering where we’ve been, to be even thinking about playing in Europe is extremely humbling,” said the manager, who has led Barry to three promotions since the club was reformed in 2013.
“We finished seventh last year and the top-six was our aim at the start of the season so to be still in with a puncher’s chance of being in Europe next season is amazing.”
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