TEENAGER Lewis Collins is hoping that his performance against Chelsea under-21s in Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy tie was enough to impress Newport County AFC manager Michael Flynn.

The 17-year-old academy player, younger brother of former Exiles star Aaron, started in an attacking midfield role behind two-goal striker Jamille Matt against the Blues youngsters.

And he hopes he did enough to earn more first-team minutes this season.

Collins told iFollow Exiles: “I was happy with my own performance overall. Obviously, there’s a lot I can improve on as well.

“Playing against boys near enough my age was a big help. Last season against Cheltenham Town I played against men so that was a different game altogether.

“It was nice to play against players who are classed as the best players of my age in the country at the moment.”

Collins was also glad to have fellow academy graduate Jay Foulston alongside him in the starting XI.

“I’m familiar with most of the boys to be fair, but having Jay out there, knowing there was another young lad out there obviously boosted my confidence,” he said.

“I knew my mate was out there with me as well and we could work together and things like that.

“It was hard to come in and fit in straightaway but as the game went on, we adapted more in the first-half, and I could have had my first assist but Josh Sheehan hit the bar.

“But I thought we linked up very well as a front four and just to come into the team I couldn’t have asked for much more really.”

And, having got a taste of the action, Collins wants more.

“I’m just hoping for more minutes in the first-team,” he added.

“I’m hoping that I showed what I can do and obviously there’s a lot to improve upon but hopefully with the gaffer’s guidance, I can do it.”