Bakinson wants to repay the faith

Bakinson has wowed supporters at Newport County, where he has spent the 2018/19 season on loan, winning the fans’ Young Player of the Year award.

He’s earned a name for himself in Sky Bet League Two and now the former Luton Town Academy star wants to develop his game with his parent club, having agreed a new three-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.

He will return to BS3 following the conclusion of Newport County’s play-off final at Wembley Stadium later this month.

“I’m delighted,” he said, reflecting on signing a new contract with City. “It means I can get my head down now and work.

“It shows the club has backed me to progress and I hope I can do that. I just want to do all I can for the team.

“There are a lot of good players here so it is a great chance for me to keep on progressing and learn.

“I’m still young and it has been a tough road so far but it’s good to have those rewards.”

Bakinson became a Robin in the summer of 2017, making his debut just months later against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.

He spent the remainder of the 2017/18 season with the development squad before linking up with Newport County for what would prove to be a successful 2018/19 campaign.