NEWPORT County AFC’s Luke Jephcott has been hailed as a ‘brilliant’ team player for his attitude and work rate during a frustrating goal drought.

The striker arrived from St Johnstone at the end of the January transfer window but is yet to get off the mark for the Exiles.

The 24-year-old made his 23rd appearance for the club, and eighth start, in Tuesday’s EFL Trophy win against West Ham Under-21s.

Jephcott was given a deeper role as an attacking midfielder and put in a strong performance when picking up some clever positions and linking play, while his one effort on goal forcing a fine stop from the Hammers’ Fin Herrick.

Head coach Nelson Jardim spoke about the former Wales Under-21s international’s ability to be more than just a goal poacher last Friday and was given food for thought ahead of Saturday’s League Two trip to Barrow.

County will be without captain and midfielder Aaron Wildig because of concussion and Jephcott has put himself in the mix for a start behind striker Courtney Baker-Richardson, or at least the chance to make an impact off the bench.

PUSHING: Luke Jephcott isn't sulking at Newport CountyPUSHING: Luke Jephcott isn't sulking at Newport County (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency)

“Jephcott was brilliant in his role as a number 10. He is brilliant because he could easily be frustrated with game time or not converting chances but he applies himself every day,” said assistant head coach Dafydd Williams.

“His performance was very good and he is just missing that goal, but he is a team player and that comes first.

“The role of the 10 can change depending on what you are trying to achieve and we asked him to drop into spaces at half-time.

"He certainly did that – he got on the ball and made things happen. Depending on how we want that 10 to play, he could definitely do it.”