Notts County are great news for League Two, according to Zesh Rehman.

The Magpies have hogged the national headlines this season and are getting as much coverage as any of the Premier League big boys.

Whether it’s Sven Goran Eriksson, Sol Campbell’s controversial walk-out or the mysterious middle-eastern backers, County have been guaranteed reams of press.

And Rehman reckons that is a good thing for the basement division.

The City club captain said: “I think it’s a positive because it’s brought a lot of attention to the league. To be honest, before I played in this division I didn’t really read or hear anything about it.

“Now Notts County have come along and brought a lot of profile to it so that can only help.”

City unwittingly played their part in the County soap opera, rolling over as victims in a 5-0 thumping on opening day. They return to Meadow Lane tomorrow night determined not to prove easy prey once again.

Rehman added: “There was all the glitz and glamour on the first day with lots of press and publicity but they’ve not had such good press since so we’ll see how it is for them now.

“They’ve got a new manager in and maybe we can put a bit of pressure on him.

“We can’t forget what happened in the first game but the FA Cup is different. The form book goes out the window.

“Notts County have got a good home record but we can’t be fearing any club in this league. With the size of our club, we’re probably the biggest in the division and maybe they are looking at us as one of the big boys.”

City have bucked up on their travels with only one defeat in the last eight away games. But they have been guilty of letting home sides off the hook – and have gone two months since their last win on the road.

Rehman added: “We’re disappointed that we’ve not won as many as we would have liked but we’re not losing. Winning is a good habit but so’s not losing.

“The second half at Macclesfield was one-way traffic and we do need to be more ruthless in front of goal.

“But it’s pleasing that we are creating so many opportunities for the frontmen, the widemen and the midfield runners. Keep doing that and I’m sure one of these days we’re going to absolutely hammer someone.”

Rehman has turned down the chance to represent Pakistan in the forthcoming SAFF Cup, the Asian version of the African Nations Cup. Once again he wants to concentrate on playing for City and is excited by the potential within the ranks.

“There are a lot of young players learning their trade here. This is a first taste of senior football for Scotty Neilson, James O’Brien, James Hanson and Steve Williams and they are improving all the time.

“To be captain of that young team is really pleasing and hopefully we can continue to grow. I’ve just turned 26 and I’m the third or fourth oldest in the team.

“The young lads want to learn and improve. They are always asking questions, which shows that their attitude is spot on. If they keep that same hunger, there is no doubt we will get better as a team and the young players as individuals.”