NEWPORT County defender Kyle Howkins has been released from hospital following the sickening head injury he sustained in last Friday’s FA Cup tie at Maldon & Tiptree.

The 23-year-old is back home with his family after being stretchered off as the result of a clash of heads with Maldon's Charlee Hughes during the second half of County’s 1-0 win in Essex.

Posting from his sick bed, Howkins gave fans an update of his condition on Twitter the day after the second-round tie, and the club have now confirmed he is out of hospital.

A statement read: “We are delighted to confirm that Kyle Howkins has been released from hospital and is now at home with his family recovering from the head injury he sustained during Friday's Emirates FA Cup second round match against Maldon & Tiptree.

“On behalf of Kyle and his family, we would like to place on record our thanks to all of the medical staff for their brilliant help during Kyle's time spent in hospital.”