Morecambe vs Newport County - Rose returns from ban to boost Morecambe

Posted Monday, March 13, 2017 by PA

Morecambe defender Michael Rose returns from suspension for the visit of Newport.

The 34-year-old missed the last two matches - both defeats - and manager Jim Bentley is pleased to welcome him back.

Fellow defender Dean Winnard played his first match since mid-February at the weekend, his first appearance since the death of his brother earlier this month, and is set to continue in the middle of a back three.

Midfielder Alex Kenyon remains sidelined following knee surgery.

Newport caretaker manager Michael Flynn looks to build on his rock-bottom side's 2-1 victory over Crewe last time out - his first at the helm - as they fight for their Football League safety.

Man of the match at Gresty Road, teenager Tom Owen-Evans, may have done enough to retain his starting spot, while late match-winner Joss Labadie will have done his chances of being named in the starting XI no harm.

On-loan West Ham striker Jaanai Gordon returned to contention at Crewe after a ban following his red card against Mansfield last month and came off the bench in the second half so will be eyeing a start himself.

The visitors are 11 points from safety at the bottom of the standings after a disappointing run of just two wins from their last 19 league games.