Graham Coughlan: Cymru Premier 'an important scouting tool' for Newport County, says boss
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Will Evans scored in Graham Coughlan's first game as Newport County manager in October 2022 - but did not net again until this season
Manager Graham Coughlan believes the Cymru Premier will continue to be a fruitful source of player recruitment for League Two Newport County.
Former Cardiff Met and Bala Town forward Will Evans has 11 goals in all competitions for the Exiles this term.
And ex-Penybont attacking midfielder Nathan Wood scored his first goal for the club at Cheltenham Town on Tuesday.
"They're great stories," said Coughlan, who also has another former Penybont midfielder James Waite in his squad.
"I love seeing journeys like that. The Welsh Premier League is an important league and an important scouting tool for us.
"We do our work and we do get out to watch games, it's proved to be very important for us over the past few years."
Evans, 26, scored eight times in his first nine appearances of the 2023-24 campaign.
It prompted Coughlan to call for Robert Page to select the 26-year-old for Wales duty.
And the Newport boss believes Evans should have been involved for Wales's 4-0 win over Gibraltar in Wrexham.
"I thought the other night against Gibraltar would have been a perfect window to have a look," said Coughlan.
"We've just got to keep Will going, Will's got to keep himself motivated.
"Fingers crossed, one day maybe someone will take him in. That would be another brilliant story."
Newport are looking to build on their 2-0 EFL Trophy triumph over Cheltenham when they face Swindon Town - managed by former County boss Michael Flynn - on Saturday.
"It's a massive challenge, we're big underdogs," said Coughlan.
"It's a local one, we should have a fair bit of backing from our fans.
"For me, the job Flynny did here was tremendous. He deserves all of the plaudits for the job he did at this club."
Aaron Wildig (head injury) and Olly Thomas (illness) will both be assessed ahead of the trip to Wiltshire.
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