Newport County v Harrogate Town - Brendan Kiernan ready to answer the call for Harrogate at league leaders

The 27-year-old impressed from the substitutes’ bench during Tuesday’s goalless draw against struggling Stevenage, prompting manager Simon Weaver to say that both he and fellow replacement Tom Walker were “pushing” for places in his starting XI this weekend.

And Kiernan, who can operate on either wing or as a striker, is primed to seize any opportunity that comes his way with both hands.

Asked whether he felt he had done enough in midweek to warrant a re-call to Weaver’s starting line-up at Newport, the former Crystal Palace trainee replied: “I don’t really feel that it is my place to say, it is the gaffer’s choice.

“What I will say is that I’m feeling ready, I’m feeling really good. I feel as if I’m getting into my groove quickly when I do get out on the pitch.

“Every footballer wants to play as much as possible, but we have a very good squad here, so all I can do is try and be the best version of Brendan Kiernan each time I get my chance on the grass. When the opportunities come, I’m determined to take them.”

That Kiernan has made 10 appearances already this term could be considered something of an achievement in itself given that he didn’t even get as far as the match-day squad for Town’s National League play-off semi-final or final back in August.

He didn’t waste any time sulking about missing out on the biggest game in the club’s history, however, and instead returned for pre-season training with an attitude and determination which immediately struck a chord with boss Weaver.

Kiernan himself feels that his positive mindset is just as important an attribute as his lightning-quick feet and searing pace.

“To play in a Wembley final is something that I think every footballer in this country dreams of, but missing out on big games is just one of those things that happens,” he added.

“I still got to be part of the experience, which ended well for the club, and I was able celebrate that night. After that it was just a case of refocusing. You have to get over disappointments quickly. I came back for pre-season with a positive mindset and I just wanted to try and do as well as I could this year. I believe that having a positive outlook has really helped me as a footballer. I think it’s a skill, really, just the same as any of the things I can do out on the pitch.”

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