FORMER Newport County AFC loan star Antoine Semenyo believes he has come on leaps and bounds after making the step up to League One despite his lack of minutes at Sunderland.

The 20-year-old forward signed for the Black Cats on loan from Championship side Bristol City in January but has made just one start and had six outings off the bench.

Semenyo had a super 2018/19 at Rodney Parade, scoring six goals in 32 appearances and starring in the FA Cup win against Leicester before being recalled amid reported interest from Chelsea.

The Londoner, who played seven times for the Robins before the move north, may not have got the game time that he would like at the Stadium of Light but has seen the step up in class needed from the Exiles to the Mackems.

Free Press Series:

"I am loving it here. I am enjoying it and my team-mates have made me feel comfortable here," said Semenyo, speaking before the season was suspended because of coronavirus.

"I think the first thing I noticed when I got here was the quality difference between League One and League Two.

"I need to be sharper and I know I need to be doing much more off the ball and working much harder in training to get into the starting XI.

"It's a big adjustment for me but I know I just need to play my natural game and I will start getting positive results.

"Last season I learned a lot from playing regular senior football and I think that experience will help me throughout the final games of the season.

"I know that my responsibility has been more about impacting the game from the bench, but I am really trying my best to give the manager a selection headache."

Free Press Series:

Semenyo might not have broken into the XI but the prospect has enjoyed putting in the graft on the training pitch under the watchful eye of boss Phil Parkinson.

"On the pitch, there are little things that the coaches have done to help me improve my game already," he said.

"Traditionally I am used to getting in behind the full-backs, but now I am learning to come to the ball so I can get more involved. The gaffer wants me to express myself more when I get the ball, which is good for me.

"The coaches have been fantastic with me since I came to the club. They are always talking to me and offering guidance on where I can improve. I have really enjoyed my time with them, and I think I am coming along nicely under their guidance."