NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn has confirmed that loan star Shawn McCoulsky has played his last game for the club.

The 21-year-old striker has returned to his parent club Bristol City after being diagnosed with a heart condition called pericarditis.

McCoulsky, who scored 11 goals in 35 appearances for County, needs total rest to recover and will not play again this season.

Flynn caught up with the front man at Bristol City’s training ground on Tuesday as his side took on a Robins XI in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

“Shawn’s fine in himself, his spirits are high but he’s out for the season now so he won’t play for us again. He needs complete rest,” explained the Exiles boss.

“The way that it’s been handled by our medical staff and by Bristol City’s medical staff has been first class.

“I’m not really sure on the next step for him,” he added. “I think it’s just rest at the moment and obviously Bristol City will look after him and advise him on the best way forward.

“It’s not a serious or career-threatening injury as far as I know.

“It’s just one of those things that needs rest and with it being one of your vital organs you need to pay attention to what the medical people are saying to you!”

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Flynn paid tribute to McCoulsky’s impact at Rodney Parade, which included the winning goal in January’s FA Cup third-round clash with Championship giants Leeds United (above).

“It was good to see him and thank him for his efforts that he put in here and to thank Bristol City and keep that relationship going,” he said.

“It was good for Shawn to see some of the boys and he will come back and hopefully say goodbye to the fans as well.

“He’s come on loan and scored goals but he’s also learned different parts of the game and he’s improved his chances of getting a new deal at Bristol City.

“If not then he’s put himself in the shop window by scoring 11 goals and it’s a good start to his career.

Fellow striker Marlon Jackson (hamstring) is a fitness doubt ahead of Saturday's trip to Barnet but Mark O'Brien and Paul Hayes should be available.

Both played in the match against Bristol City alongside James Bittner, Tyler Reid, Calaum Jahraldo-Martin, Jay Foulston, Josh Sheehan, Frank Nouble, Momodou Touray and several academy youngsters.