NEW loan signing Scot Bennett believes he and manager John Sheridan can help Newport County AFC climb off the bottom of League Two, writes Andrew Penman.

Bennett, who can play in defence or midfield, was the first new addition to the playing squad since Sheridan took over from Terry Butcher last week.

The Exiles boss has also now brought Charlton Athletic striker Zak Ansah back to the club and is looking to add at least two more players on loan.

Bennett, who arrives at Rodney Parade from Notts County, is certain that the new arrivals can improve results – starting at Mansfield Town today.

“I knew there were a few changes at the club in the summer and it obviously hasn’t worked out how they would have wanted it to,” said Bennett.

“I’ve spoken to a few of the boys about it and hopefully it all changes now.

“They’ve brought John in and he knows the league very well. He’s proven he can do it in this league.

“All the lads seem very impressed with him and his training is good.

“It’s very high intensity and it’s all ball work, which is something I look forward to and hopefully it will keep working.

“League Two is very tight; one minute you can be losing five games and be bottom and the next you can be winning five and be in mid-table so you’ve just got to keep positive.

“I feel there is enough quality in this team to definitely be better off than where we are.”

Bennett enjoyed a successful four years with Exeter City but his summer move to Notts County has not worked out as he’d hoped.

He started the season in central defence for the Magpies but has not kicked a ball competitively since August 18 when he played in a 3-1 defeat to Oxford United.

The former Exeter captain was at fault for one of the goals and was subsequently dropped by boss Ricardo Moniz and he admits he has a point to prove.

“I can’t wait to get in there and hopefully I’ll be playing, straight into the team hopefully, and we can get the three points,” said the 24-year-old.

“It’s been very frustrating. I started the season off quite well, got injured and from there I never got back in the team.

“It’s something that happens in football and now it’s time to come here and put in my best performances and hopefully we can climb that table.

“I’ve definitely got to prove something to Notts County and to the fans here – that I’m worthy of a spot here, that I can bring something different to the team, make the team tick a little bit better and help them climb that table fast.”