McLoughlin returns as Newport face fitness worries

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Image caption, Former Ipswich and Morecambe defender Shane McLoughlin joined Newport from Salford in 2023

Defender Shane McLoughlin is set to return from injury for Newport County鈥檚 FA Cup first round home tie with League One side Peterborough United.

And the Irishman鈥檚 comeback could be invaluable as Newport have fitness concerns over midfielders Bryn Morris and Aaron Wildig, and have had their preparations hit by a bug which has swept through the dressing room.

Former Salford full-back McLoughlin, 27, has been sidelined for almost two months since suffering a knee injury early in September's 4-1 home defeat by Port Vale.

Head coach Nelson Jardim said: "Shane is one of the senior players, a real presence and a good character as well. We were just unlucky in that game which went wrong for us.

"It seems like it was last year as it was such a long time and a lot of games without Shane.

"It is like you are signing a new player and a good one. That is the feeling I have.

"We will have to asses and see how he is but he is ready and I am sure he wants to go as well."

McLoughlin鈥檚 return is timely as Newport are nursing midfielder Morris through the schedule. "He is someone we are trying to protect," said Jardim.

And top scorer Wildig has continuing back problems. Both will be assessed on matchday over their availability.

To add to Jardim鈥檚 worries, an illness has hit the Newport dressing room and could potentially rule out players.

"It's like a wave," said Jardim. "We will have to see how it goes again today and tomorrow will be big and we will have to make decisions."

He ruefully added: "Sooner or later we expect someone to catch something."

Though his squad depth could be tested, Jardim sees the prospect of absentee players as a chance for someone else to shine away from the rigours of League Two and to prove their worth in a competition in which Newport have achieved some eye-catching giant-killing results and financially lucrative draws.

Jardim said: "Everyone is ready, everyone is waiting for their chance, for their opportunity. It is such a massive game for us, for the city, for the fans, for the club, my very first game [as a head coach] in the FA Cup.

"We are all looking forward to it, we will give our best as we always do and we are sure the fans will be with us."