NEW striker Scott Boden is determined to show that he belongs in the Football League after starting his Newport County AFC career with a bang.

Boden, who is still short of full fitness, scored twice on his County debut as Terry Butcher’s side earned a 3-1 win at Torquay United on Saturday.

The 25-year-old arrived at Rodney Parade last week, joining from Halifax Town where he scored 10 goals in 38 league games last season.

Boden, who started out at hometown club Sheffield United, helped Chesterfield to the League Two title in 2011 but has been in non-league with the Shaymen, Alfreton Town and Macclesfield Town since 2013.

And, ahead of tonight’s pre-season friendly at Eastleigh, he wants to prove that he can succeed in League Two.

“The Football League was the big factor,” he said. “It’s what I’ve worked for for two years out of non-league.

“The opportunity arose and I spoke to Steve (Marsella) and the gaffer and for me it was a no-brainer.

“It’s a chance to prove to myself and to a few people in the past that I can do it.

“Terry Butcher was a big factor as well,” he added. “He’s a legend. You put his name into Google and that picture of the bandage comes up.

“Plus I knew a couple of lads here last season and I spoke to Rhys Taylor and Scott Barrow about the club. It really was an easy decision to join. There was never any doubt in my mind.”

And after notching two goals against the Gulls, Boden is optimistic about the season ahead for the Exiles.

“It was nice to get a run out,” he said. “I’ve been dying to play a pre-season friendly all summer so it was good to get the kit on.

“It was two nice finishes but you don’t get the finishes without the build-up play and the passes through so they were both nicely worked.

“There is a lot of pace in the team and everyone looks quite sharp.

“On the break we look quite dangerous and with or without the ball Medy [Elito] is so sharp.

“We’ve got some good football players. It’s not just Medy – there’s Brani [Kostadinov] on the right and [Mark] Byrner as well. He can pick a pass out, Nana [Twumasi] can pick a pass out and Scotty [Barrow] can whip a ball in so there are a lot of different options.

“And I know there are players to come back as well – I’ve probably not met all them – so it’s looking fairly positive.”