Tristan Abrahams: I want to be Newport's 20-goal striker

Abrahams started the season in stunning fashion when his double stunned Swansea City of the Championship in the Carabao Cup and he will look to take that form into the League Two opener at Scunthorpe.

The 21-year-old moved to Rodney Parade last summer and scored 10 goals in 46 games in all competitions.

Abrahams wants to at least double that tally in 2020/21 to become County's main man up front – taking the honour won by Amond for the last three seasons with 13, 24 and 14 strikes.

"Setting goals is very important for me. I try to beat my record each year," said Abrahams. "My target is 20 goals at least this season."

"There is healthy competition with the amount of strikers here and with 'Podge' beating me last year to the golden boot, that's a bit of motivation to kick on and pass him."

Abrahams certainly has the greedy streak that all good strikers possess – he wasn't content with a double against the Swans after also missing a free header and tamely shooting in a one-on-one.

He said: "During the game I knew that i should have had at least four and watching it back confirmed it!

"I did have a few chances so hopefully I can kick on and get that right at Scunthorpe."

Abrahams wore 15 in his first season at Rodney Parade but the 11 jersey will be on his peg when he heads into the changing room at Glanford Park.

The financial hit from the coronavirus pandemic meant County were unable to offer Jamille Matt a fresh contract this summer and the target man was snapped up by League Two rivals Forest Green Rovers.

"I've stepped into some big shoes! For me it's just trying to get closer to the 9 shirt," said Abrahams.

"As a kid I always dreamed of wearing the number 9, so each year if there's a vacancy closer to 9 I'll be taking it!"

County have plenty of forward options after Abrahams and Amond were joined by Ryan Taylor, Saikou Janneh, Scott Twine and veteran Kevin Ellison.

The new number 11 welcomes the competition.

"Kev is an experienced player and there is a lot that I can learn off him in games and in training every day," said Abrahams.

"I am already picking up bits and pieces from him and I am lucky enough to be surrounded by a lot of different types of strikers. I am able to take different bits from their games to improve my own.

"There's a lot of strikers here now and that can only benefit all of us and push each other to the next level.

"I don't want to lose my shirt and I am going to do all I can, there's even more motivation to try and get more goals.

"I feel like you always have to push yourself to the next level and having other players there pushing you can only be a benefit.

"You don't have the space to slack off a bit at any time. I am enjoying that pressure and hopefully I will continue to perform."

Of Abrahams' League Two appearances last season, 16 were as a starter and 16 were off the bench.

The forward is confident that County fans will see an improved player when they are able to return to Rodney Parade.

"I'm more experienced after another season in the league," he said. "I know a bit more about what is to come and I understand my own game as I mature as a player so that I can play to my own strengths.

"I just want to be involved more in games and be an option all of the time, get a few more assists and defensively help the team out as well."

County finished mid-table last season but Abrahams is confident that the 2019 play-off finalists can be in the mix for promotion.

"With these different times you never really know what the league will be like but we are very confident after how pre-season went," he said.

"Now we are looking forward to seeing how the league pans out, if we do play the football that we've been playing then we have got a shot. The boys are raring to go and want to kick on."