LOAN signing Cameron Pring has revealed that playing against Newport County AFC in a friendly this summer contributed to him joining the club last week.

The 20-year-old was an unused substitute at Port Vale on Saturday after arriving from Bristol City in a deal that will run until January.

He featured for the Robins when they hosted Michael Flynn’s Exiles in a behind-closed-doors pre-season warm-up game in July.

Padraig Amond and Josh Sheehan put County 2-0 up before Jamie Paterson and Wales international Marley Watkins scored to earn the Championship outfit a draw.

"We drew 2-2 in that game, it was a good game to watch and be a part of, and I think it shows that Newport are a side who are hard to break down,” said Pring.

"Newport went 2-0 up in that game so it showed me that they like to start fast, it was a good game.

"I think that did help (with the decision to join County) because there were a few teams we played in pre-season and Newport gave us the best game out of everyone.

“It stuck in my mind and I think it did help with my decision to join.”

"The game itself was a big challenge for me. I could tell they like to mix up the game a lot, they like to play football and then sometimes they might play in behind. It was very unpredictable.

"The physical side of League Two is massive, so I think only being 20, and not really playing much against men, this league will be perfect.

"Not only because I’m here in a team where the left-back is encouraged to get up and down, but it will also help me physically as well."

He continued: "I think Bristol City know I can play. They’ve sent me here for a reason and I have to prove to them that I can deal with the pressure, the league and everything else.

"I was with the Bristol City first team through pre-season and, having done well during that time, I was lucky enough to be on the bench (during the early part of this season).

"Unfortunately, it was in the Carabao Cup and things didn’t quite go our way, so I didn’t really get the chance to play, but it was a great experience all round for me.

"Pre-season was amazing, it was so good, one week in Marbella as well within pre-season.

“It helped me massively because it was a different climate to training and it made me adapt to the heat and to a different style of play.

"It was a great experience all round for me and it also helped that a couple of the other U23 players were there with me. It was a good trip."