BILLY Waters is determined to put a frustrating six months behind him and get back to his best at Newport County.

The 25-year-old striker became Exiles boss Michael Flynn’s first signing of the January transfer window, joining on loan from Northampton Town until the end of the season.

Having shaken off a dead leg, Waters made his County debut as a late substitute in last Saturday’s superb 2-0 win against League Two leaders Swindon Town.

Waters is eager to be involved today when County face Leyton Orient at the Breyer Group Stadium (kick-off 3pm), although he knows there is plenty of competition for places right now.

He isn’t setting himself any targets in front of goal, but the former Crewe Alexandra and Cheltenham Town man is eager to hit the ground running in a Newport shirt.

“It’s nice to be back playing and training,” he said. “I’ve settled in well, the lads have been class, the staff as well. I can’t fault it so far.

“My agent said in November there was interest and then it came up again at the start of January and I thought ‘let’s do it’.

“I didn’t really want to wait around because I had a frustrating six months at Northampton.

“I was so keen to get it done and it happened really fast, and I was buzzing when I got it over the line.

“I want to hit the ground running and put everything on the line – I just want to get back to my best.”

On his debut, he added: “The boys put in a terrific performance, so it wasn’t like I was really needed, but the gaffer brought me and Dale (Gorman) on to make our debuts.

“I’ve played at Rodney Parade a fair few times, so I know what it’s about, but it’s obviously different when you’ve got a Newport shirt on. It was really good, the fans seemed class, and I enjoyed it.”

Waters, who believes being released by Crewe at 20 was “the best thing that could have happened” to him, has seen what County have achieved under Flynn in recent seasons.

And he reckons the team can make this campaign another memorable one.

“The past two or three years, looking from afar, Newport is a team that’s going somewhere with the cup runs and play-offs last year,” he said.

“The club is on a rise and the boys have got going with the last two wins and games in hand.

“You look at the table and if we win all the games in hand or even take seven points then we’ll stand ourselves in good stead.”

Justin Edinburgh was Northampton manager when Waters joined the Cobblers in June 2017.

Today sees two of Edinburgh’s former clubs go head-to-head in London, and Waters has nothing but praise for the ex-Spurs defender who died suddenly last summer.

He added: “He was class, I loved working with him, even though it was brief.

“I think he got the sack far too prematurely. It was really frustrating when he left because I loved him as a manager, he was perfect for a player like me.

“He was a brilliant guy, so it will be an emotional occasion, and I can’t speak highly enough of him.”