CIARAN Brennan almost joined Newport County AFC in January but a summer arrival means that he is faced by a very different challenge.

The 24-year-old has arrived from Sheffield Wednesday in the hunt for regular game time in League Two.

The new recruit has featured in all four pre-season fixtures, slotting in at both defensive midfielder and his primary position of centre-back to be at the heart of the Exiles’ new way of playing.

Owner Huw Jenkins has recruited with the aim of pass-heavy football and there is a new man at the helm following the exit of Graham Coughlan and appointment of head coach Nelson Jardim.

County’s methods were put under pressure in a behind closed doors friendly at Bristol City on Tuesday when the Championship club struck late for a 2-0 win at their training base.

Brennan & Co had a few scrapes when playing out from the back against an aggressive press but they took another step towards the League Two opener at Cheltenham on August 10.

“You can see that with the signings that the chairman has brought in, they are players who fit that system,” said Brennan about the passing style.

“We showed that pretty well against Bristol City when in the flow of the game. I’d like to think that the fans will see that as part of my game, I am comfortable on the ball and under pressure.

“I am enjoying it. Working with Nelson is great and he is a really good coach.”

CHALLENGE: Ciaran Brennan has joined Newport County from Sheffield WednesdayCHALLENGE: Ciaran Brennan has joined Newport County from Sheffield Wednesday (Image: Newport County)

Brennan very nearly arrived at the start of the year to play under former Sheffield Wednesday defender Coughlan.

“I spoke to Huw about coming in January but it never quite materialised. We spoke on and off after that,” said the Yorkshireman, who signed a two-year contract.

“The interest got stronger and stronger, I knew that this was the place for me.”

County have lost the original Mr Versatile after Scot Bennett reluctantly turned down a contract offer and signed for Cheltenham.

However, Brennan and fellow defender Matt Baker are able to also slot in as defensive midfielders in the hunt for regular action.

The former Wednesday man endured a frustrating 2023/24 campaign in which he made just four appearances for Hartlepool in the National League last December.

After kicking his heels on the sidelines, Brennan is desperate to rack up the games.

“I don’t really mind as long as I play, whether that’s as a defensive midfielder or at centre-back which is a bit more natural,” he said. “I like to have lots of strings to my bow and there is a lot of learning for me to do.

“I just want to be in the starting XI for the first game, that’s all you can aim for, then I will take it game by game.

“I’ve had a couple of seasons where it’s not gone my way, so I want to be playing week in and week out for Newport.”

County suffered defeat in the West Country but there were plenty of positives in the countdown to Cheltenham.

“It was a good workout, they have quite a strong side out and for a lot of the game we more than matched them,” said Brennan.

“There was a step up from Barry [Town United, the Cymru Premier side who beat County 2-1 last weekend]. They were two different challenges, chalk and cheese.

“At Barry there were a few more long balls and it was physical whereas this was a bit more tactical and technical, so I really enjoyed it.”

The Exiles travel to Kidderminster on Saturday and then head to Hereford for their final hit-out.