NELSON Jardim sees tomorrow’s televised trip to Valley Parade as a “step forward” for Newport.

The Exiles head for West Yorkshire on the back of successive home wins over Crewe and Salford.

That followed a run of three defeats on the trot – including a 4-0 thumping at Swindon which had some already questioning the summer appointment of the Portuguese boss.

But having picked up form again in the last week, Jardim is looking forward to seeing his side deal with the TV spotlight in front of the BD8 audience.

He said: “They have to be prepared for it and they are here to be exposed to these type of grounds and crowds.

“That can only improve them and this will be a test and step forward for them.

“They have to play their football as normal, be focused and the energy from the crowd can be utilised to play even better.

“We’ve had two good and important wins but we know what is coming, it’s a very tough month with tough opposition.

“If we don’t carry on with our progress then it will be difficult.”

Newport sit ninth – three points ahead of the Bantams, who dropped a place to 14th on goals scored behind MK Dons after their draw with Tranmere yesterday.

“We shouldn’t be looking at the league table because it is still the beginning of the season,” Jardim told our sister paper, the South Wales Argus.

“We are focused on how we are doing, how we are improving and how we are learning.

Andy Cook with his hat-trick ball at Newport last seasonAndy Cook with his hat-trick ball at Newport last season (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“They say the table never lies but there are a lot of games to go and we know there are things that we need to improve on.”

City thrashed Newport 4-1 home and away last season with Andy Cook scoring a hat-trick in south Wales - their last win under Mark Hughes.

But it will be a much-changed opponent facing them after Newport underwent a major squad overhaul during the summer window.

City will have to keep an eye on Newport skipper Aaron Wildig, who has scored in four of the last six games. Jardim insists he is not surprised by the sudden goal rush.

“The year that he got promoted he scored 10 goals and I have told him that his target for this season is to go beyond that.

“I don’t hide from the fact that I like players like Aaron because he is very technical and has the craft for the goal and final-third movement. I could see that straight away.

“He is such an important player for us and an excellent character. I was spot on when naming him and James Clarke as captains.”