We'll cope with great expectations, vows Newport County ace

Demetriou played a crucial role as the Exiles battled to the League Two play-off final in May.

He admits that the pain of defeat to Tranmere Rovers at Wembley is still raw, but he’s convinced that County can bounce back and mount another promotion challenge.

And the 29-year-old centre-back, who signed a new two-year contract this summer, believes the added pressure to succeed can spur the players on.

“The gaffer has already told us we’re going to be a marked team this year,” said Demetriou.

“It showed towards the end of last season as well, but we’ve got to take that pressure on the chin.

“We’ve got to deal with the pressure that comes with being a good side.

“It’s a credit to us. We’ve come out of nowhere. We’ve had a good two years and we’ve got to keep building on it.”

Goalkeeper Joe Day and left-back Dan Butler have moved on to Cardiff City and Peterborough United respectively, while David Pipe and Fraser Franks have retired and Andrew Crofts and Tyler Forbes were released.

But Exiles boss Michael Flynn has so far brought in eight new faces and he’s looking to add another four before the start of the season.

“We’ve got a good depth of squad this year and everyone’s fighting for places; no one in the squad is safe, which is what you want,” said Demetriou.

“I’ve been in teams where you’re guaranteed to play every game and it doesn’t help.

“And I’ve been in teams where you have to fight for the shirt and that’s when I got promoted.

“Thankfully, we’ve got that this year. I think we were a little bit short on numbers last year in certain positions, but this year the gaffer has recruited well and we’re going to go for it.”

After the last-gasp defeat at Wembley, Demetriou is determined to refocus and get himself in the best shape possible ahead of the new campaign.

“It was unfortunate the way it ended last year, but we’ve come back and worked hard in pre-season.

“We had an extra week off because I think we needed it, mentally as well as physically, and we’ve hit the ground running.

“We had a good week over in Spain, which we all enjoyed. It got the boys closer together and the new boys have settled in well.”

Demetriou was also hard at work throughout June.

“Everyone looks after themselves over the summer – you have to because if you don’t then you’re going to get caught out,” he said.

“I had a good summer with the wife, it was nice to relax. We went away with our little boy but I didn’t stop. I was in the gym every single day, because you have to.

“It was tough but I’m enjoying it and I feel fit, which is good.

“The gaffer and Hats [assistant manager Wayne Hatswell] enjoy making us sweat but that’s the life of being a footballer.

“It’s not an easy job to do, but we love doing it.”