Ciaran Brennan says his Newport County side can take a lot of positives despite their defeat against Bristol City.
The Exiles lost 2-0 to the Championship club in a behind closed doors friendly at the Robins High Performance Centre on Tuesday, as goals from Nahki Wells and Sinclair Armstrong gave the home side victory.
But despite the defeat in BS1, the former Sheffield Wednesday man saw a lot of positives which he believes his side can build upon.
“It was a good workout for us,” admitted Brennan.
“Bristol are a very good side. They had quite a strong side out and for a lot of the game we more than matched them.
“There was a step up from Barry on Saturday. They were two different challenges, chalk and cheese.
“At Barry there were a few more long balls and it was physical whereas this was a bit more tactical and technical, so I really enjoyed it.
“There were a lot of positives from today which we can continue to build on over the next few weeks and days.”
Brennan got 60 minutes under his belt in the pre-season clash and began the day at centre-back alongside Kyle Jameson, before moving into midfield.
And the 24-year-old believes his versatility can play a big part in League Two for the Exiles this season.
“I like to think I’m a very versatile player. I like to have lots of strings to my bow and there is a lot of learning for me to do,” he added.
"I don’t really mind as long as I play, whether that’s as a defensive midfielder or at centre-back which is a bit more natural.
“I just want to be in the starting XI for the first game, that’s all you can aim for, then I will take it game by game.
“I’ve had a couple of seasons where it’s not gone my way, so I want to be playing week in and week out for Newport.”