HIS Newport County AFC teammates will be enjoying a hard-earned rest this weekend, but striker Dominic Poleon is one member of the squad who would love to have been playing at Cheltenham Town.

Tomorrow afternoon’s League Two clash was postponed due to international call-ups for Danny McNamara, Lewis Collins and Keanu Marsh-Brown.

And that has allowed the rest of the Exiles players to put their feet up and enjoy some downtime with friends and family.

But Poleon would rather be in action at Whaddon Road after making his first start since his deadline day move to Rodney Parade.

The 2-0 Leasing.com Trophy defeat to Exeter City on Tuesday was the 26-year-old’s first 90 minutes since February and he’s desperate for more game-time as he looks to regain his match-fitness.

“I definitely want to be playing this weekend,” said Poleon.

“I’d like to keep getting some fitness. That was my first game for a while and I’d happily play on Saturday.

“But it’s something you’ve got to take and I’ll be looking forward to the next game [at home to Scunthorpe on October 19].

“If I get my chance [to start] then great. If not, then I’ll be ready to come on and make an impact.”

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Before taking on the Grecians in midweek, Poleon had been restricted to just three substitute appearances for the Exiles since his arrival in early September.

But he understands that he will have to bide his time if he’s to earn a regular starting spot.

“I’ve not been frustrated,” he said. “I knew when the opportunity came up to come to Newport that they had a lot of quality.

“They went 17 games unbeaten just so I knew it was going to be a challenge coming here.

“The boys are doing well and I’m coming into a winning team and a successful one, so I knew I’d have to wait my turn and when I get my chance I need to impress.”

Poleon started his career at Leeds United and he wants to return to playing at a higher level with County.

Asked about his ambitions for the season, he said: “From a personal point of view, I want to get into the team and get a run of games.

“As a team, I don’t think it’s a secret. We want to finish as high as we can and one better than last year is promotion.

“There’s definitely enough here to challenge. We’ve got some good experience; some quality players and we just need to continue the way we’re going.

“We’re getting the reputation that we fight to the end and that’s the mentality you have to have as a player here. I’m buying into that.

“The atmosphere at the [league] games has been good,” he added. “The crowd get behind us from minute one to the end. Everyone’s got that die-hard mentality.

“That was something I was made aware of when I came here and I’m enjoying it.”

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