NEWPORT County AFC are due for a huge boost with the imminent return of utility man Robbie Willmott, writes Michael Pearlman.

The 24-year old is defying even optimistic estimations on his comeback after suffering a serious foot injury October’s 3-1 win over York City.

Willmott required surgery and tweeted at the time that he expected the injury to be a potential season-ender.

"Injury worse than first thought, out for 5 months" he tweeted.

County manager Justin Edinburgh said: "It's a huge blow for the football club and Robbie himself, he was in excellent form but that's football

"He's got to concentrate on the operation in about a week to 10 days' time once the swelling's gone down."

However, Willmott’s recovery has stunned Newport’s hierarchy with boss Edinburgh confirming to Argus Sport that the former Cambridge United man – who scored the equaliser against his old club this term – that Willmott is now back in training.

“We have Robbie back out on the grass, it’s amazing really, but I think we are only looking at a couple of weeks with him now,” he said.

The Exiles have also welcomed back Kevin Feely into the fold after he had hand surgery and striker Rene Howe, a long-term absentee due to a ruptured thigh, played 90 minutes on Tuesday in County’s friendly win over Cheltenham Town.