Michael Flynn: Newport teen Lewis Collins must keep grafting

The 19-year-old forward scored his first senior goal in the Exiles' 4-0 win against Scunthorpe at Rodney Parade on Tuesday.

Collins pounced on a goalkeeping error to break his duck, a just reward for his lively performances since breaking back into the XI.

READ MORE: The talking points from County's win against Scunthorpe

The bright prospect started against Swansea on the opening day of the season but suffered an ankle injury on international duty with Wales Under-21s in October.

He was on the fringes until this month and he has featured prominently in the last seven games to help County rediscover their form, starting the last three on the spin when forming an energetic strike partnership with Padraig Amond.

Lewis Collins fires home his first goal for Newport County against Scunthorpe

Collins' older brother Aaron, now with Forest Green, came through the ranks with the Exiles before earning a move to Wolves.

Manager Michael Flynn hopes that Lewis, who turns 20 a week on Sunday, can follow in his footsteps by knuckling down.

"He was disappointed with the chance that he missed at Exeter last weekend," said Flynn. "He should have scored but he has been very good for us since he came into the side.

"He is stretching teams, playing on the shoulder and I am delighted that he has got his first goal, because there is a player in there.

"It's down to Lewis and how much effort that he puts in, how seriously he takes his career and how much he works on not only the things that he is good at, but his weaknesses.

"He has got ability and he has got pace, if you've got that and also a good attitude then you have a hell of a chance in this game."

Lewis Collins of Newport County is challenged by George Taft of Scunthorpe.

Flynn previously said that Collins earned his recall after being told to up his efforts in training.

"I've been open and honest with him, he hadn't been hitting those levels," said the manager.

"I've got so much time for him and want him to do well, so it's down to Lewis now.

"He can play in a few positions – out wide, up front, number 10 – so he is a good attacking option."

Flynn has shown tough love with Collins and also gave his entire team a gentle ticking off on Tuesday night.

The manager reiterated that they will need to repeat the display from the first 45 minutes against Scunthorpe, when they hit three, if they are to down title-chasing Cheltenham.

"I am straight with them, they know what I expect and first half was absolutely outstanding. We had 77 per cent possession which is unheard of for Newport County AFC," said Flynn.

"That first goal was something over 15, more towards 20, passes before the cross was put in by Padraig Amond. It was that good a ball that their defender [George Taft, who headed into his own net] had to make a decision.

"It didn't really matter to me whether it was one of my players or they put it in because the move was that good."

The Exiles have fielded the same side for the last three games when taking seven points from a possible nine.