Summer signing making a huge impact for The New Saints

Craig Harrison has hailed the impact of summer signing Rhys Hughes as The New Saints head to Airbus UK Broughton tonight (7.45pm).

Hughes found the net for the fourth match in a row when he grabbed a late winner, the only goal of the game, in last Saturday's top-of-the-table clash against Barry Town United.

The three points took Saints, the new Cymru Premier leaders, above Barry, as the Park Hall side extended their run of consecutive victories to six.

Harrison has been impressed with Hughes, who started his career at Everton, since signing the midfielder from Connah's Quay Nomads.

"He's done brilliant," said TNS head coach Harrison. "We knew Rhys is a good player. He's tried and tested in this league.

"We understand that he's scored double figures for the last two years for Nomads, so we knew he was going to be a good player.

"He's got the flexibility to play out wide on the right, out wide on the left, as a ten, as an eight, so he's done really well.

"To get another goal again - it won't be his best goal he scores this season by any shadow of a doubt - but it might be one of the most important ones.

"So whichever way they go in, it's important that it goes in the back of the net, and it did."

As for Hughes, he's enjoying himself as a TNS player.

"I think I've fitted in really well with the lads and the staff early on," he said. "They helped me settle in.

"Now the performances and the goals are coming, so long may it continue hopefully."

Hughes and his team mates are now preparing for tonight's trip to mid-table Airbus.

"Wins give you confidence, don't they," added Hughes. "We know Airbus will be a good side again.

"Going away there on Friday night will be tough, but we're looking to go and get three points again."