NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn hopes to be given selection headaches when he rings the changes for the EFL Trophy opener against Cheltenham Town tomorrow (kick-off 7pm).

The Exiles started their 2020/21 campaign in stunning fashion by claiming the scalp of the Championship’s Swansea City thanks to Tristan Abrahams' doube in round one of the Carabao Cup.

READ MORE: Cup hero Abrahams hunts more scalps

That upset has added to County’s hectic schedule with a round two clash with Cambridge United next week, and a potential tie against either Oxford or Watford the following midweek.

County get their League Two campaign under way at Scunthorpe United on Saturday but first they entertain Cheltenham in the EFL Trophy.

Flynn is ready to tinker with his side for the Rodney Parade encounter, with the aim of developing fierce competition for starting spots.

Free Press Series: OPENER: Tristan Abrahams prods home against SwanseaOPENER: Tristan Abrahams prods home against Swansea

"There will be a few changes and I want to get as many minutes as I can into all the players,” he said.

“To be fair we were treating Swansea and Cheltenham as an extended pre-season if I am totally honest.

“Competition is strong. It was a slow start in the transfer market but we've recruited well.

We have managed to get a few out and have recycled the money.

“We've tried to freshen the squad up and fingers crossed we don't have too many injuries.”

Flynn included new signings Ryan Taylor and Saikou Janneh on his bench against the Swans, where they were joined by last season’s top scorer Padraig Amond (pictured below).

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Nick Townsend got the nod ahead of Tom King between the sticks and new signings Kevin Ellison and David Longe-King did not feature, nor did key utility man Scot Bennett.

Flynn says the bar has been set high for those that come into the team to face Cheltenham in the second fixture behind closed doors in Newport.

“The performance was exceptional and I am very proud of them,” he said. “It’s a big confidence boost to beat a play-off team from the Championship with some very good players.

“It wasn’t easy, in the last 20 minutes they had a lot of possession but the players stuck to their roles and responsibilities. They didn’t lose their shape and they kept working hard.”