FA CUP hero Shawn McCoulsky says his stunning winner against Leeds United proves he made the right decision to stay with Newport County AFC this month.

The striker turned 21 on Saturday and celebrated by coming off the bench to seal a 2-1 victory over the Championship side with a powerful 89th-minute header at Rodney Parade.

It was McCoulsky’s 11th goal of the season and his fine form since arriving on loan from Bristol City in August meant there were plenty of rival clubs chasing his signature.

But Bristol City were happy with his development with the Exiles and agreed to extend the loan until the end of the season.

And McCoulsky insists he always wanted to stay at Rodney Parade.

“There was interest from other clubs but I wanted to stay here to score goals and help the team,” he said.

“I just want us to move up the league and concentrate on my football.

“As a player you obviously want to play at the highest level possible,” he added.

“I've just got to keep doing what I'm doing at Newport, help the team as much as possible and keep getting my goals.”

And Sunday will be a day he never forgets.

“It’s brilliant to get the winner in the FA Cup against a team like Leeds,” said McCoulsky.

“It's all a blur to be honest. But I just wanted to go to the fans and celebrate with them. I’m so happy to get the winner and to get into the next round.

“I watched it back and didn't know I jumped that high,” he added.

“It's one of those things in the moment. I just saw the ball in the air and through my whole body at it.”

McCoulsky was inspired by watching his parent club beat his boyhood favourites Manchester United in the Carabao Cup last month.

“I went to the Man United game and they performed very well,” he said.

“I definitely took inspiration from that. For such a small club like Newport to knock out a big Championship club is a brilliant day for the club.

“The boys played well from start to finish and didn't give them any time on the ball. We didn't sit off them and let them rule the game.”

The historic win means County are into the fourth round for the first time since 1979.

And McCoulsky knows who he wants in tonight’s draw, which takes place from 7.10pm.

“Everybody wants Man United or Chelsea, I think,” he said. “I'm a United fan, so that would do me.”