RHYS Healey has been waiting 18 months to play for Newport County AFC and he’s ready to shoot down Barnet this afternoon.

The Cardiff City striker finally sealed a loan move to the Exiles on transfer deadline day this week – a year and a half after a previous deal was scuppered by FIFA red tape.

Healey trained with the County squad back in March 2015 and was all set to move to Rodney Parade but the deal fell foul of FIFA loan rules, leaving then-manager Jimmy Dack furious and Healey frustrated.

Now 21, the Manchester-born forward has enjoyed spells at Colchester United and Dundee in the past two seasons.

But he’s found opportunities limited at the Cardiff City Stadium since his debut as a substitute in the Bluebirds’ final Premier League match – a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in May 2014.

Healey is desperate for game time and ready to deliver goals for Warren Feeney’s team after finally making the short trip from the capital.

“Two years ago I was training here for a week and a half but it fell through due to FIFA blocking the move,” he recalled.

“It was getting stalled and stalled and it was frustrating but I’m just glad that it has all gone through this time.

“I didn’t get my chance two years ago so this is my chance and I can’t wait to get out there.

“I’ve been quite a few times to watch Newport so obviously I know what the ground is like and I’m looking forward to getting out there and getting goals.

“I’ve travelled quite a bit but now I’m only half an hour away from my base in Cardiff it’s a lot better for me,” he added.

“The manager wants me to enjoy myself and play football without any pressure and I can’t wait to get going.

“I’m ready to start and I want to bring goals to the team.”

Healey also hopes to catch the eye of new Cardiff manager Paul Trollope with his performances for the Exiles.

“I want to impress Paul Trollope at Cardiff by coming here, getting game time and scoring goals,” he said.

“I made my debut two years ago but it has been hard with strikers coming and going.

“As a young up and coming player it has been difficult and the best way I can show that I could play there is come out to the likes of Newport and play well and show Paul Trollope what I can do.

“It’s good for me to go out on loan and prove to them that I do deserve my chance.”

Healey is competing with fellow new arrival Reece Grego-Cox as well as Jon Parkin, Sean Rigg, Marlon Jackson and Jordan Green for a starting spot up front.

And Feeney still hopes to add another striker shortly in the shape of free agent Reuben Reid.