County in are good shape, says boss

NEWPORT County boss Michael Flynn declared himself happy with his side’s pre-season preparations despite a weekend defeat at Northampton Town.

Substitute Lamar Reynolds gave County the lead midway through the second half at Sixfields.

But the hosts, managed by former Exiles boss Justin Edinburgh, fought back to win through late goals from Chris Long and Leon Barnett.

That meant Flynn’s men ended their pre-season programme with a record of three wins, two draws and two defeats.

But the manager is pleased with the fitness levels in his squad and he was delighted with the performance against League One opposition.

“I was extremely happy but it’s what we do next weekend that matters,” he said.

“We’ve got no more friendlies now, it will be a normal week building up for the season opener.

“We might have an XI v XI against each other but a lot of that will be a coaching session, talking about what we want to do in and out of possession.

“We will be gearing up for Saturday all week.”

County begin their League Two campaign at Stevenage and with only Marlon Jackson and Ben Tozer ruled out due to injury Flynn has some difficult decisions ahead in terms of selection.

“I want those dilemmas,” he said. “I don’t want to be thinking ‘I’m going into battle with him today and I’m not quite sure’ and hoping they surprise me.

“I want to go in comfortable with what I’ve got.”

One man who did not feature at Northampton but will be in contention for the trip to Stevenage is new signing Shawn McCoulsky.

The 20-year-old striker joined on loan from Bristol City on Friday and will meet his new teammates today.

“He’s quick, he’s hungry, he’s a goal scorer and he’s very highly thought of so we’ve done really well to get him,” said Flynn.

“We’ve beat off a lot of interest in him from other teams – one from the Scottish Premier League and two others from our league and one wanted to buy him so I’m delighted.

“I’ve been monitoring him and we’ve been speaking for a while.

“He had a little injury so he was out for 10 days but he’s been back in training now for a week so I’m looking forward to seeing him.”

Two trialists – a left-back and ex-West Ham winger Zavon Hines – featured at Sixfields and could be offered contracts, while Flynn is still looking at other targets.