ANTOINE Semenyo hopes to force his way into the starting XI for Saturday’s League Two clash with Colchester United after firing Newport County AFC into the second round of the Checkatrade Trophy, writes Josh Thomas.

Semenyo and fellow loan star Mark Harris both found the net as the Exiles beat Plymouth Argyle 2-0 at Rodney Parade on Tuesday night.

And Semenyo hopes that he and Harris can get a “chance to shine” against in-form Colchester.

“I’m very happy,” said the 18-year-old after hitting his fourth goal of the season.

“I haven’t scored since the Stevenage game, so it’s good to score to and get my confidence back up for the weekend against Colchester.

“I could have had more than a hat-trick, I was a bit sloppy, but if I get the same chances again on Saturday I’ll score.

“Things are going perfect. I just need to continue the run and just hope for the best.

“Those players that don’t really get that many minutes, it’s good to express ourselves whether we get the chance and hopefully we get a chance to play on the weekend.”

County manager Michael Flynn now has a selection dilemma up front after Padraig Amond and Jamille Matt both scored in the FA Cup win over the Metropolitan Police last Saturday.

“The gaffer said it’s going to be a difficult selection on Saturday so I’m just hoping that me and Mark Harris can get our chance to shine,” added Semenyo.

“We need to bring our A game [against Colchester] on Saturday and get the win.

“It will be difficult but with the win [against Plymouth] will give us the confidence to go into Saturday and we just hope for the best.

“They are doing well at the moment so we need to stop them on the weekend.

“But they’ll be scared of our supporters, so if we get our goals and make sure we are clinical in the final third then we’ll be fine.”