Nathan Wood is determined to make an impact at Newport County in the forthcoming campaign, believing a tough loan spell at Cork City will benefit him in the long term.
The winger, 27, spent the second half of last season on loan at Turners Cross with City, having struggled for regular game time with the Exiles.
Wood made 13 appearances during his time in Ireland, leaving the Rebel Army in strong contention for promotion back into the League of Ireland Premier Division.
Upon his return to NP19 earlier last month, City were currently 10 points ahead of University College of Dublin in the league standings and suffered just one defeat in their opening 18 games.
And, after a season where he played a number of positions and got more experience under his belt, he is determined to kick start pre-season on the front foot.
"I’ve really enjoyed being back,” said Wood following his loan switch.
“Obviously the last six months were spent out in Ireland, but it’s great to be back in Wales as this club had always been my priority.
“I learnt an awful lot at Cork which will only help me as player this season. I think from a personal perspective, being a local lad, a Newport boy, it was good for my growth and development to go away and experience life in a different country.
“Playing there gave me the opportunity to get more professional games under my belt. January was the right time to go out and get minutes, and I feel much fitter and stronger than I did this time last year.
“Hopefully, it all gets me to the place that I want to be in, and that’s playing regular first team football here week in, week out.
“This season is a really exciting project. It’s a new start for everyone and we can already see the positive changes being made around the club.
“As a local lad, this is something that excites me, and it gives me the opportunity now to try and impress to earn a starting spot each week."
He added: "As forward you want to play as many games as possible and score goals. That is something I’m really keen to do this season.
“There’s not better feeling in football than scoring goals and especially in front of the Amber Army, so that’s going to be the aim this year, trying to score my first Football League goal.
“I’ll never take for granted representing Newport as a city and a football club. Pre-season is all about opportunities and hopefully I can take them this season.”