Shaquille Gwengwe | "I think there's so much more to come"

Shaq

Newport County forward Shaquille Gwengwe says there is plenty more to come from him after opening his County account in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Rochdale.

Gwengwe marked his competitive debut at Rodney Parade with a goal, having previously missed a penalty against Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup.

The forward admitted his first goal was a special moment, with his celebration reflecting the frustration of the previous week.

"It was amazing. You could probably tell by my celebration," Gwengwe said.

"It was that little bit of frustration from the penalty the week before, but that was out of my mind as soon as [I scored]. I'm really happy to get on the scoresheet against Rochdale."

After making the move from Poole Town, Gwengwe has quickly adapted to the demands of League Two football and says the biggest difference has been the pace and intensity of the game.

"I'd just say more of the fitness and the tempo of the game," he said.

"Games are very, very fast and you've just got to be switched on. Any little mistake, you get punished.

"For me, it's just trying to be in the box all the time and try to get at the end of things and score goals, really."

While naturally a striker, Gwengwe has also featured in a wider role during his early games for County. He says he is happy to do whatever is required to help the team.

"It's different, but that's what the team needs right now," he said.

"I'm going to do a job for the team. At the end of the day, even though I'm out wide, my aim is to create and score goals, and as long as I'm playing, I've got every opportunity to do that."

The forward has also been impressed by the demands of manager Hayden Mullins since his arrival.

"It's been really good. Demanding as well, especially as an attacker, but that's a good thing," Gwengwe said.

"He expects a lot from us and we try to do that for him each and every day, especially in training, and that's transforming out onto the pitch."

Gwengwe believes there is still plenty more to come from him as he continues to settle into his new surroundings.

"I think, well, the person that I am, I think there's always room for improvement," he said.

"Obviously, my currency is goals and the more goals I can get, the better. But for me, I think there's so much more that I can give.

"I'm going to go and go and study each and every day, just improving. So, yeah, just trying to keep as grounded as I can."

Gwengwe has set himself a personal goals target for the season but is keeping that number private.

"I do have a target," he confirmed.

However, he added that it is "just for me internally" and something that helps keep him focused on his development.

The forward has also been encouraged by the way County have come together, particularly after the opening-day victory.

"We work for each other and also in our changing room, we've got loads and loads of good lads," he said.

"We did surprise a few people probably on the weekend, but we're remaining humble, grounded, and it's just each and every game as it comes."

County's next test comes in the Severnside Derby against Bristol Rovers, with the away end sold out and a large County following expected at the Memorial Stadium.

Gwengwe is relishing the occasion.

"Just excitement," he said. "I'm really looking forward to it and hopefully we can bring back the three points."

He also paid tribute to the travelling County support and the role they can play on Saturday.

"They're like a 12th man for us," he said.

"The support that they gave us on the weekend, we just fed off that and obviously we gave them something with our energy.

"We're going to need them this weekend as well."