NEWPORT County AFC boss Graham Westley and Mark Randall held clear-the-air talks this morning after the midfielder’s angry reaction to being substituted during the 2-2 draw with Barnet.

Randall, suspended for Saturday’s trip to Accrington, made his feelings abundantly clear when he was replaced by Jordan Green 77 minutes into Tuesday’s match at Rodney Parade.

While Randall has admitted his actions were wrong, Exiles manager Westley says the 27-year-old must be able to deal with criticism in a better manner.

“It was wrong of me and I shouldn’t have reacted like that,” said Randall, who began his professional career under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.

“It’s the manager’s decision to make substitutions to make the team better towards the end of the game.

“Me and the gaffer spoke this morning, cleared the air, and it won’t happen again.”

Giving his take, Westley added: “He stormed off the pitch. I don’t know whether it was a ball or a bottle that he smashed.

“He was frustrated for sure but stuff happens in football and we had a good long chat this morning and he’s a very good player who will play a big part in this club’s future I’m sure.

“He’s got a lot of creative talent but there’s no doubt his career has been on the slide.

“He was at Arsenal, then at MK (Dons), and he’s now at Newport, with respect to ourselves, and his career has been on the slide.

“And if he’s going to get the best out of himself he is going to have to take a lot of criticism from me.

“He’ll have to face a few harsh words from me and he’ll have to learn to deal with those harsh words in a constructive way, but he’s committed to trying to get himself back up the ladder.

“I’m sure if he listens to the guidance he’ll be given he’s got every chance of doing that.

“Arsene Wenger doesn’t say great words about someone if he hasn’t got a massive talent and I’m looking forward to getting the very best out of him.”

On the injury front, Westley revealed that striker Marlon Jackson is “close” to a return, while fellow forward Jon Parkin is not expected to be fit for Saturday.

Westley said there should only be one change to Tuesday's matchday squad and that will involve the suspended Randall dropping out.

Meanwhile, he also added that defender Jamie Turley and midfielder Joss Labadie are both “not far away” from making their comebacks.