NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn is hopeful that he’ll be able to welcome back captain Joss Labadie and defender Mark O’Brien this weekend.

Midfielder Labadie has missed County’s last two games – a fortunate 1-0 home win over Cheltenham Town and last week’s 2-1 defeat at Morecambe – with a groin strain.

And O’Brien has been sidelined since September 2 when he was forced off at Exeter City with a badly bruised foot.

“I’m hoping they’ll be fit,” said Flynn. “I don’t know 100 per cent because obviously we’ve got two training days left and I’ve got to see how they are ahead of Saturday but it’s looking positive at the moment.”

Mickey Demetriou admits that the duo have been missed in recent games.

“I think some of their skills have been missed,” said the defender.

“Obviously we’ve got good players to come in and if we’d won the game last week it would be harder for the gaffer to put them in.

“But to play the way we did, it gives him a reason to bring them back in if they are ready.

“It proved that maybe we did miss them at Morecambe – their determination and leadership skills just to get hold of the game.

“Labs in midfield is a different player for us in terms of what we’ve got out there at the moment.

“And with OB hopefully his foot is better now. He’s had the injection, let it settle and he’s back in training so hopefully there’s no reaction to that and the gaffer has got some headaches for selection.”

South Wales Argus:

Striker Marlon Jackson is still out with a hamstring problem and midfielder Reece Cole will almost certainly be missing after aggravating a knee injury in the midweek friendly win over Forest Green Rovers.

“The boys had a good attitude,” said Flynn of Tuesday’s behind-closed-doors match.

“They worked hard and got the win. At times we could have conceded a few but there was some very good goalkeeping from James Bittner.

“They applied themselves right and there were a lot of positives to come out of it.

“It was good to see the boys get some minutes under their belt and I want decisions to make.

“I don’t want to be picking the same team because I’ve got to.

“I want to pick the same team because they deserve it.”

Two trialists started the match for County and Flynn is still keen to add to his squad if he can.

“They both played 90 minutes and they enjoyed themselves,” said the Exiles boss.

“I’m always looking [to add players]. There’s no money left but I’m going to have to wheel and deal and do what I can because I’m always looking.”