JON Parkin got off the mark in spectacular style at Hartlepool United on Saturday and he’s desperate to take on Plymouth Argyle tonight.

Newport County AFC manager Warren Feeney is set to rest several players as his side begin their Checkatrade Trophy campaign at Home Park.

But, having missed the first three games of the season due to suspension, Parkin does not to miss out tonight as he continues to work his way back to full fitness.

“I definitely want to play,” said the 34-year-old front man.

“I missed the first three games so I’m playing catch-up a little bit fitness-wise but I’ve come here to play football so the more games the better for me.

“Saturday was my first 90 since April and obviously you can do all the pre-season but it’s not the same as actual games.

“I’m not too far off but the more I play the fitter I’ll get.”

Parkin scored his first County goal with a stunning volley to give the visitors a 2-1 lead at Victoria Park but he was disappointed that the strike did not earn his new side all three points.

The veteran felt the Exiles did not make the most of playing against 10 men for more than 87 minutes of the match.

“We should have managed the game better against 10 men,” he said.

“We’ve got to learn that you don’t have to score again.

“We need to be controlling the game better and not forcing things.

“I think we rushed it a little bit. We were trying to score every time we had the ball and if it happens again we’ve got to learn from that and hopefully deal with it better.”

Parkin also conceded that the delivery into the box from wide areas was below par on Saturday.

“That’s something we’re going to have to work on,” he said.

“As strikers we need balls into the box to feed off and that’s hopefully going to get us goals.

“Hopefully if we carry on working hard on the training pitch that will come.

“It’s a good set of lads here,” he added. “I think we’ve still got a little bit to learn but hopefully throughout the process of the season we’ll start learning and get better.”

Feeney was pleased with Parkin’s contribution on Saturday.

“Parky gets abuse for what he is,” said the boss. “He’s a big boy but he knows his role.

“He’s still getting fit – that was his first start – and it was a fantastic goal. He’s got that in his locker – he does it in training.

“Whether it’s a two-yard volley or a 30-yard volley he won’t care – it’s good to get him off the mark.”