Kyle Hudlin believes the competition for places in the Newport County squad has played a key part in driving the club’s recent run of form.
The Exiles have secured 15 points from their opening nine league matches in League Two, including back-to-back wins over Crewe Alexandra and Salford City in the last week.
Their 3-1 victory - sealing a first-ever league triumph of the Ammies – saw Hudlin get on the scoresheet for the first time in Amber and Black and also contribute to a robust defensive effort that helped see off a second-half fightback from the Greater Manchester side.
Having joined on loan on deadline day, Hudlin has had to patiently wait for his chance behind the in-form Courtney Baker-Richardson. But when the opportunity came, he made the most of it, delivering a goal and an assist.
And the forward acknowledged he knew the level of performance that would be required if he wants to nail down a starting berth in a side who are now one of the League Two in-form teams.
“Football is all about competition, and there is plenty of competition in our squad,” said the Huddersfield Town loanee.
“Having someone to compete with each week for a starting position stops complacency. This team has a lot of quality and it helps me and us all fight for a place in the team each week.
“As a group we all offer different things, and it's what suits the gaffer on the day. Tonight it was my turn, and I took the opportunity when it came.
“To get two assists and a goal topped off a real good night for me.
“We have a top group and the dressing room is bouncing. It’s all about keeping the moment going into Monday and taking things from there.”
Following a superb win against high-flying Crewe Alexandra on Saturday, Hudlin was handed his second league start for the Exiles, one of two changes made by head coach Nelson Jardim.
And the 24-year-old was thrilled to repay his manager’s faith by contributing to County's midweek victory in front of the Amber Army, playing a key role in the team's success.
“The win and the goal hasn’t sunk in yet, I’m over the moon for the boys,” added the forward.
“It was great to get off the mark. In the build-up to that corner, I had a feeling I would score.
“The corner was worked on all week in training, and I knew with the double movement, i’d have an opportunity to score.
“Fortunately, I stayed focused and managed to find the back of the net.
“Tonight was another big win for us as a team, and hopefully we can push on from this now.”
