Otis Khan out to prove a point to Mansfield Town with Newport County

Khan has endured a difficult season at Mansfield Town, scoring just once in 27 appearances and he says he wants to start enjoying his football again with County.

And the attacking midfielder is promising to get the Rodney Parade faithful “off their seats” by providing goals and assists for Michael Flynn’s team.

Explaining his loan move from Field Mill, the 24-year-old said: “I wanted to go and play football. Things weren’t happening the way I thought they should at Mansfield and I didn’t want to just sit there and collect my wages.

“I wanted to go out and prove myself so as soon as this opportunity came about, I wanted to act on it quickly and get it over the line.

“Newport is a good club,” he added. “It fits my values; it’s hard-working and they can beat anyone on any given day.

"The togetherness is there and it fits me perfectly. All the lads have welcomed me and I just can’t wait to get going on the pitch now.

“I like to get the fans up off their seats. I’m direct, I score goals and create goals and I just want to enjoy football again.”

Khan knows how hostile Rodney Parade can be for visiting players after taking on the Exiles with Yeovil Town and Mansfield and he’s looking forward to having the backing of the Newport crowd.

“I’ve played against them over the years and they’re always a tough team to play,” he said. “Rodney Parade is a fortress. The fans get right behind the players and that was a massive attraction.

“Every time you come to Newport with another team it’s definitely a difficult place to come so it will make a change to be on their side now with the fans behind me.

“Whenever I’ve played there the fans have been great and they will help us.”

County are currently 12th in the table, nine points off the top seven, but Khan is convinced that they can challenge for a play-off place.

“I want to do as best I can for the team and try to get us up to the play-offs,” he said.

“That goal is there and if we can get on a run we will be up there before you know it.

“The belief is there because of what they achieved last season – getting to the play-offs and all the cup runs they’ve been on.

“It just shows that they can beat anyone on their day.

“It’s difficult playing against Newport,” he added. “They’re a very hard-working team, a very strong team and there is that togetherness there – everyone roots for each other and nobody gives up. Now I’m on that side, it’s great for me and I want to play my part now.”

Read more: Newport County face crucial few weeks in play-off race, says boss Michael Flynn