Newport County vs Hartlepool United FC - New Newport signings could feature against Hartlepool

Posted Thursday, January 26, 2017 by PA

Newport's busy transfer activity should see more new faces introduced against Hartlepool in Sky Bet League Two.

Striker Ryan Bird and midfielder Mitchell Rose - younger brother of Tottenham and England defender Danny - stand by for debuts, while left-back Mickey Demetriou could also be in line for his first start after completing 90 minutes for the reserves in midweek.

Sean Rigg is available again after recovering from a hamstring injury, but fellow midfielder Mark Randall will not be involved after asking to be placed on the transfer list this week.

Joss Labadie (knee), Jennison Myrie-Williams (ankle), Jamie Turley (knee) and Lenell John-Lewis (knee) are all ruled out.

Dave Jones will take charge of Hartlepool for the first time after watching last weekend's 2-0 home win over Stevenage from the stands.

He will have a decision to make over striker Billy Paynter, who missed that game with an Achilles problem and remains doubtful for the trip to Rodney Parade.

Nathan Thomas was used as a late substitute against Stevenage for the first time since October 29 after recovering from a long-standing groin problem and he will be assessed.

Goalkeeper Trevor Carson has undergone shoulder surgery and is expected to miss the remainder of the season, with Adam Bartlett deputising.