Newport County manager Mike Flynn has told new signing Emmanuel Osadebe he will have a tough job breaking into an in-form team.

The 21-year-old midfielder has joined on loan from Cambridge United until the end of the season.

Osadebe began his career at Tottenham’s academy before moving on to Gillingham where he played 22 matches.

The Irish-born player, who has Nigerian parents, then moved on to Newport’s League Two rivals Cambridge but has only played seven matches so far this season.

He joins a Newport side on the fringes of the play-offs and looking ahead to their highly-anticipated FA Cup fourth round tie at home to Spurs later this month.

Flynn said: “Osadebe has come in to strengthen the squad. But he will have to fight for his place in the team because the boys have been excellent this season.

“But he’s a player I’ve been keeping my eye on for a while and is good addition to the squad.”

Shortly after the transfer was confirmed, Osadebe tweeted: “Looking forward to playing for @NewportCounty. Different team but same objective and happy to play a part.”

Osadebe won Gillingham’s Goal of the Season award during the 2015-16 campaign for his brilliant strike against Bury.

He has been called up to the Republic of Ireland U21 squad in the past, but is also eligible to represent Nigeria.