Newport County vs Blackburn Rovers - Lennell John-Lewis blow for Newport ahead of Blackburn's visit

Newport striker Lennell John-Lewis misses the FA Cup third round tie with Blackburn.

John-Lewis damaged a hamstring in training and is set for a four to five-week spell on the sidelines.

County boss John Sheridan hopes to recruit a couple of non-cup-tied players on loan ahead of Saturday's clash with their Sky Bet Championship visitors, having allowed Cardiff youngsters Tommy O'Sullivan and Jazzi Barnum-Bobb to return to their parent club.

Alex Rodman and Yan Klukowski remain out with hamstring problems but Medy Elito is available after serving a one-game ban for his Boxing Day red card.

Elliott Bennett could make his debut for Blackburn.

The winger became reunited with his old Norwich boss Paul Lambert when he signed from the Canaries earlier this week and he goes straight into Rovers' squad.

Fode Koita (hamstring) and Nathan Delfouneso (knee) are missing, as is Jason Lowe (foot), while Danny Guthrie (hamstring) will need to be assessed, but Leicester loanee Tom Lawrence does have permission to feature.

Lambert is likely to make one or two changes to his squad, although he confirmed goalkeeper Jason Steele would stay between the sticks.