WARREN Feeney says Newport County AFC striker Lenell John-Lewis has received a double boost in his recovery from a serious knee injury.

John-Lewis was injured during the Exiles’ pre-season friendly at Caldicot Town on July 8, since when boss Feeney has admitted that the 27-year-old could be out until after Christmas.

However, as well as continuing to receive the support of his teammates, John-Lewis is now off his crutches and able to drive again.

Feeney even joked that he is going to send the former Lincoln, Bury and Grimsby forward on a scouting mission to Carlisle.

“He’s working very hard,” said the County chief when asked about John-Lewis’ rehabilitation. “He’s allowed to drive now and is off his crutches, which is a big bonus.

“It’s very tough because he missed three or four months of last season and I think we owe him a lot as well because we rushed him back, and we had to rush him back.

“He played, and probably wasn’t 100% fit, to get us over the line. That’s the attitude of the big man and, as I said, we’re all together around here while you’re injured.

“If you’re on loan or not, I want to keep everyone happy. Lenell comes in and he enjoys being with the boys, and it’s hard for him because as a footballer you want to train.

“But he’s always in and the boys will get around him and try and involve him as much as possible.”

Other than John-Lewis, Feeney has a virtually fully fit squad to pick from when his men take on Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium today (3pm).

Centre-back Darren Jones has been carrying a minor knock but is expected to be in contention for the Sky Bet League Two clash.

Meanwhile, Feeney has admitted he did have a wry smile on his face on Tuesday night when Manchester City’s Champions League game against Borussia Monchengladbach was called off.

The group match at City’s Etihad Stadium had to be rescheduled for the next day due to heavy rain in the Manchester area.

County’s league fixture with Barnet at Rodney Parade a fortnight ago was abandoned at half-time because of standing water on the pitch.

The Parade surface, which was re-laid in the summer after persistent problems last season, came in for more criticism after an abandonment so soon into the new campaign.

“I was pleased to see that it wasn’t only us coming off for rain when a match with one of the world’s biggest teams was called off the other night in Manchester,” added Feeney.