CAPTAIN Joss Labadie is “100 per cent confident” that Newport County AFC can complete the Great Escape today and he’s backing caretaker boss Michael Flynn to land the permanent manager’s role.

Labadie will lead the Exiles out against Notts County in front of a capacity crowd at Rodney Parade this evening (kick-off 5.30pm) and he’s certain that they can get the win that will guarantee they avoid relegation.

“Everyone knows the importance of the game and the importance of survival and staying in League Two,” said the skipper, who went down with Dagenham & Redbridge last season.

“We’re all well aware of that and we’ll be doing everything we can to complete the task ahead.

“I’ve been relegated before unfortunately and I don’t want to experience that again.

“I’m 100 per cent confident we can do it.”

County were 11 points from safety when Flynn took charge but they are now two points clear of relegation rivals.

“I think we’ve surprised a lot of people,” said Labadie, who started the revival with an 89th-minute winner at Crewe Alexandra in Flynn’s first match in charge on March 11.

“A lot of people had written us off and we’ve managed to show everyone what we can do and got ourselves in a great position.

“We’ve dug deep and stuck together through the good times and bad.

“From the position we were in, it would be one of the greatest achievements of my career to date and I’m sure it would be the same for a lot of the boys.

“We will give it our all and hopefully that will be enough,” he added.

“It’s in our own hands – if we get a win it doesn’t matter what Hartlepool do and we’re going out there to win.”

Asked about Flynn, Labadie said: “He’s done an amazing job since he’s been here, all the boys love him and he’s familiar with the club and the city and it would be great if he does get the job.

“He’s made all the boys believe themselves again, he’s a good man-manager the boys are enjoying it so long may it continue.”

South Wales Argus:

Meanwhile, League Two player of the month Mickey Demetriou (above) admits he does not know if he will still be a County player next season.

The goal scoring defender is one of many Exiles players who will be out of contract in the summer.

Talks about a new deal will happen next week but, for now, Demetriou and teammates are fully focused on making sure the club stay in the Football League.

Asked what the future held for him, he said: I have no idea, if I’m honest.

“When I came to the club, I was just signed until the summer so I’ve not really thought about it because there’s been bigger things to worry about.

“As long as we do a job for the club then hopefully we will get looked after.

“Since the gaffer has come in he has got a lot out of me.

“He’s given me game time which is what I came here to do so if he gets the job then I’m sure we will have those discussions about my future.

“It’s on the backburner now because the most important thing is that we ensure we get the three points.”

A win over Notts County this evening will guarantee that the Exiles beat the drop.

Anything less will mean Hartlepool can save themselves and relegate Flynn’s men with a victory over Doncaster Rovers.