Flynn tips Tristan for glory

TRISTAN Abrahams has been backed to put the boot into Watford and star once more against Championship opposition tonight.

Newport striker Abrahams, 21, scored twice when Swansea were the visitors to Rodney Parade in the first round of the EFL Cup.

Mike Flynn’s side have reached the third round for the first time since the 1962-63 campaign and now have Watford – who were relegated from the Premier League last season – in their sights next.

Exiles boss Flynn has seen a host of his former players graduate to higher honours after leaving Newport and thinks Abrahams (above) can go to the top.

He said: “I think Tristan can play higher. He’s a good age, so why not? He’s already had a good move to Norwich. If I was him, I’d be doing everything I could to get back there.

“We’ve got to take confidence from the Swansea game, but we have to treat each game individually. We can’t just think that because we’ve done well against Swansea, we’ll do well against Watford.

“They’ll be a different team to Swansea and fitter than when they came here.

“They’ll be sharper and have a lot of players they can rotate.”

Watford could include Manchester United loanee James Garner in midfield after he made his Hornets debut at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

Newport defender Kyle Howkins is a big doubt for the game with a hamstring injury.

“The boys have done really well to get this far. It’s going to be a tough game against quality opposition. For us, it’s a free hit,” said Flynn.

“Hopefully Watford change it up and it gives us an opportunity to pull off another shock result. “We know whatever team they have, Watford will be full of quality players.”

Newport will host either Morecambe or Newcastle United in round four if they get past Watford.