Newport County V Southend at Rodney Parade - Match Preview




Hughes back for Exiles

Newport are set to be boosted by the return of Andrew Hughes for the visit of Southend.


The 21-year-old defender, who recently signed a new deal with the Exiles, has missed their last two games with a hamstring problem but is available to feature again.


Ryan Burge's muscle injury will be assessed by the club's medical staff before a decision is made on his availability but Harry Worley is two weeks away from a comeback.


Star striker Christian Jolley is pushing for a start after returning to the matchday squad on Tuesday after five weeks on the sidelines with a groin injury and manager Justin Edinburgh says he is likely to be involved.


Southend are without suspended pair Mark Phillips and John White.


The Shrimpers saw their appeal against centre-back Phillips' dismissal against Dagenham on Tuesday thrown out and he now starts a three-match ban.


Full-back White serves an automatic one-match ban having collected his fifth booking of the season during the 1-0 defeat in midweek.


Freddy Eastwood is still not 100 per cent but continues to play on as he manages a troublesome knee injury while fellow striker Craig Reid will have his troublesome ankle assessed ahead of the game.


Source: PA

Source: PA