NEWPORT County AFC manager John Sheridan is hopeful that defender Scot Bennett will be fit to face Luton Town on Saturday.

The centre-back, on loan from League Two rivals Notts County, was forced off after a blow to the ribs in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Oxford United.

Sheridan feels Bennett’s injury was a big factor in the hosts salvaging a point after Lenell John-Lewis’ stunning strike had given his side the lead at the Kassam Stadium.

And he’ll leave his team selection as late as possible to ensure the 24-year-old has every chance of lining up against the Hatters at Rodney Parade.

“He’s a lot better than he was and we’ll just obviously give it as long as we can,” said the Exiles boss.

“There are one or two with little knocks but I expect that with games on Saturday and Tuesday – there’s not really much time to recover.

“There’s a couple that haven’t trained [up to Thursday] but I’m confident that they’ll all be fit for Saturday.

“I think we missed Scot when he went off,” he added.

“He’s not really vocal but he’s physical and he leads.

“He’s calm when he needs to be and he’s aggressive when he has to be.

“He’s part of a team that is doing alright. Results-wise we’re on a good run but we all know the importance of winning and getting those extra two points.”

County are unbeaten in eight in all competitions but that includes six draws and they remain 21st in the table.

“I think we are improving as a team and good results only build confidence,” he said.

“I feel as if we’re going the right way but I still think we’re vulnerable and I don’t want to be looking over my shoulder for the rest of the season.

“I want to gain an advantage as quickly as possible but the most important thing is staying in the division.

“We are going in the right direction. Obviously I would like more points but the run we’re on for a team down the bottom is an excellent run.

“Even though you want three points, a point usually means you get a point closer to the teams above you and a point further clear of the teams below you.

“And I think we’re only a win away from climbing another few places if results go our way.

“I said when I came in that we want to get to the top of the bottom six and once we get there we can aim higher.”