North West Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport County manager David Hughes believes he is spoilt for choice up front ahead of Saturday's League Two game at Grimsby Town.

The Exiles take on the Mariners at Blundell Park (15:00 BST) after claiming four points from two fixtures so far.

Hughes paired Cardiff loanee Michael Reindorf and summer signing Ged Garner up front in the 1-1 draw against Notts County and 2-1 win at Crawley Town, but freshened things up in midweek.

Bobby Kamwa, last season's top scorer from the wing with nine, and Courtney Baker-Richardson got the nod against Millwall and caused the Championship club problems in the opening half-hour of their EFL Cup tie.

The Lions eventually took control and won 1-0, but Hughes was impressed by his front two.

"CBR was outstanding in pre-season, a real threat, really positive, and a top professional. Bobby's been the same," said Hughes.

"All the strikers have taken on board what we're trying to do. With the number of games coming up we need everyone, and the way they've gone about their work will make sure they get their opportunities."

Reindorf opened his Newport account with a stunning strike in the Carabao Cup preliminary round win at Barnet and Garner nodded in County's goal against Notts.

Baker-Richardson's last goal was against Harrogate Town in March when he scored his fourth of the last campaign.

Newport travel to Grimsby before welcoming Salford City and Milton Keynes Dons to Rodney Parade on Tuesday and Saturday.

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Manager Phil Parkinson says the arrival of three Wales internationals at the Stok Cae Ras shows the progress Wrexham have made in recent seasons.

Goalkeeper Danny Ward and forwards Kieffer Moore and Nathan Broadhead are among the nine players that have signed since the end of last season.

"I think it's a great lift for everybody because with Wrexham everyone's very proud of the club and the country," Parkinson said.

"And to attract players who are internationals shows where we are."

One of the four professional Welsh clubs playing in the EFL, was Parkinson consciously seeking Wales qualified players for his squad?

"It's not really been a conscious effort," Parkinson replied.

"Just starting with Danny, we wanted to bring in an experienced goalkeeper and obviously Danny was very keen to come to us.

"He had offers to go into the Premier League as a number two or number three but straight away him and his agent said his preferred choice was Wrexham.

"Obviously that appeals to us that a player really wants to come to the club and understands what the area and the club's about straight away.

"And then with Kieffer, also the big attraction for him was coming to a Welsh club and obviously the Wrexham story.

"Nathan, coming back home it's great for him to be close to his family and his family to be able to watch him play.

"That was a very special moment for him when he finally got here."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Joe Thomas is in contention for a Newport County return at Grimsby Town in League Two on Saturday.

The right-back went off with an injury at half-time in the 2-1 win at Crawley Town and then sat out Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie against Millwall as a precaution.

Manager David Hughes has declared he has a fully-fit squad for the trip to Blundell Park (15:00 BST), with Thomas battling Habeeb Ogunneye for a starting spot after the Manchester United loanee impressed in the 1-0 loss to the Lions.

Newport could recall defender Liam Shephard, midfielder Matt Smith and striker Ged Garner after they were rested from the matchday squad against Millwall.

Centre-back/midfielder Ciaran Brennan (shoulder) and attacking midfielder Michael Spellman (groin) made their first appearances of the season off the bench but are not yet fit enough to be considered as starters.

Newport, who have made a positive start to life under Hughes, face a testing eight days with Grimsby followed by Rodney Parade fixtures against Salford City and Milton Keynes Dons.

"We're relishing the challenges we've got. Grimsby had an outstanding start, I've watched the last three games they've played and they've been impressive," said the manager.

"We have to focus on ourselves and ensure that we are at the right level to perform to the best of our capabilities, while also understanding we're going to face a good opponent who will be at home and the crowd will be with them.

"The next month is going to be a really good test for us, and we're excited and looking forward to it."

The Mariners and Ammies narrowly missed out on the play-offs last season while the Dons are tipped to be contenders for promotion after spending big this summer.