O’Brien and Crofts in line to start for Newport

Posted Tuesday, November 27, 2018 by PA

Newport pair Mark O’Brien and Andrew Crofts are in contention to start against Northampton.

The duo played 45 minutes of the 2-1 defeat at Cheltenham on Saturday, with skipper Crofts featuring for the first time since the end of August after an Achilles problem.

Tyler Forbes and Joss Labadie are still not fit to return and Keanu Marsh-Brown is also doubtful with a thigh strain as County seek to improve on a record of one win in six games.

Scot Bennett, Matty Dolan and Robbie Willmott will miss the Sky Bet League Two clash with hamstring injuries.

Northampton boss Keith Curle could make changes, both in personnel and formation, despite his side stretching their unbeaten run to five games on Saturday.

The Cobblers have conceded seven goals in three games and Curle could revert to a flat back four, with Aaron Pierre and Jordan Turnbull possibly at the heart of the defence.

Matt Crooks and Dean Bowditch remain injured and Daniel Powell is pushing for a starting spot in midfield. Junior Morais completes a three-match ban for his FA Cup red card at Lincoln earlier this month.

Defender Leon Barnett, who has not featured since the start of October, has been advised to retire due to a heart condition.