Mid Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Nelson Jardim says his Newport County squad need to make full use of their upcoming week to recover after being knocked out of the FA Cup by Peterborough United.

Aaron Wildig, Bryn Morris and James Clarke were all notable absentees for the Exiles' first round encounter with Darren Ferguson's side at Rodney Parade.

"We've been struggling with a couple of injuries or knocks," said Jardim.

"There was a little bit of illness around the team as well. That's why [Aaron] Wildig didn't play, Bryn [Morris], a couple of others. Even Bobby [Kamwa], three days ago he was not well.

"Now it's about recovery, but also about which areas we can improve. I think that's the key."

Newport looked on course for an upset after early goals from Anthony Glennon and Kai Whitmore put them 2-0 up after just seven minutes.

But the visitors hit back in style, as Abraham Odoh and Joel Randall netted prior to a late Ricky-Jade Jones brace as Posh survived a scare in south Wales.

Shane McLoughlin was an unused substitute for the hosts after he made his long-awaited return to a matchday squad following two months out with a knee injury.

But Jardim revealed the defender was not thrust back into the limelight against League One Peterborough given his lengthy period out of action.

"We had a report from the medical side that he could only be ready for a maximum of 20 minutes so you're not going to risk him and possibly lose him for the next chunk of games," added Jardim.

Newport return to League Two action against Tranmere Rovers on Saturday (15:00 GMT).