We’re capable of top three – McCoulsky

NEVER mind the play-offs, Newport County loan star Shawn McCoulsky believes the club is capable of winning automatic promotion this season and he’s delighted to be sticking around to help fire the Exiles up the League Two table.

McCoulsky scored his 10th goal of the season as County won 2-1 at Cambridge United to climb to ninth on Saturday.

Manager Michael Flynn revealed after the match that Bristol City, the striker’s parent club, have agreed to extend his loan until the end of the season.

And McCoulsky says there’s no limit to what he and the Exiles can achieve between now and May.

“I’m happy that I’m staying,” said the 20-year-old.

“It’s my first League loan and the manager has been great for me.

“He’s encouraged me every day and I’ve learned from him so I’m very happy here.

“I’m scoring goals and the team is doing well so what more could I want?

“I want to get goals and help the team get as many points as possible.

“The boys explained to me what happened in the final game of last season, so obviously it’s been a really big improvement this season,” he added.

“We’ve started off very well and I think we’re only five points off the top three.

“Anything is possible, even automatic promotion.”

McCoulsky has only started 10 matches since his arrival from Bristol in August but he leads the way with 10 goals – three more than Frank Nouble and four ahead of Padraig Amond and Joss Labadie, who got the late winner at Cambridge.

“Coming from under-23s football I didn’t expect to start straightaway,” he said.

“I had to be patient and when my chance came I had to take it.