Crofts back to boost County

NEWPORT County’s promotion charge will be boosted by the return of captain Andrew Crofts for today’s short trip to Cheltenham Town.

The Exiles are sitting pretty in the automatic promotion places despite only having their skipper fit for three matches since his summer arrival.

But the Wales international has battled back from an Achilles problem to get himself in contention for the crucial Christmas period, and Newport manager Flynn reckons he can play a central role in their fight at the top of League Two

“The injury situation is looking a lot better,” said the Exiles boss ahead of Saturday’s trip to Whaddon Road. “We should have Andrew Crofts back, which is good.

“He’s been bright and breezy around the place, he’s not let his injury situation pull anyone else down.

“That’s what you need. That’s why he’s captain and why the boys respect him so much. He’s been brilliant off the pitch and now we want to see him on the pitch.

“Somebody of his experience can go a long way to helping you when you need to see games out.”

County leapfrogged Colchester into the top three with a convincing 2-0 victory last weekend.

It was their first clean sheet for two months as they claimed a first win in five league matches.

Only two points separate thirdplaced Newport from Tranmere, who occupy the final playoff spot.

But Flynn says beating their promotion rivals last week has added the belief his talented squad needs to maintain their flying start.

“If my players turn up and play to the best of their abilities and don’t make any mistakes, then they can beat anybody in League Two,” he said.

“That’s not me being arrogant, that’s me knowing what I’ve got in the building.

“We need that luck again with injuries and suspensions, but we have to keep focused.”