EFL novice Evans ready for first league start - Jardim

Head coach Nelson Jardim insists Cameron Evans is ready to make his first League Two start to help ease Newport County's centre back dilemma.

Jardim will be without injured skipper James Clarke for Saturday's game at home to Port Vale as well as Matt Baker, who will captain Wales Under-21s in Iceland on Tuesday.

Evans, 23, has yet to start an EFL match but did play in the defeat to Cheltenham in the EFL Trophy and has previously worked with Jardim at Swansea City.

"I've known Cameron since he was 15-years-old, so I know what he can do," said Jardim.

"He can offer a lot of things for us, playing in different positions and I thought he was good last Tuesday, so, yes, he's a good option I would say.

"I haven't made that decision yet, because we still have one training session and we have to obviously assess everything, but it would be between him and Nelson Sansa.

"We have plenty of options. Clarke is a blow because he is injured.

"I wouldn't say Matt is a loss as we are happy that he is representing his country. He was happy and we should be proud of that as well. He's developing here with us and he can play for his country. So we couldn't be more happy and I see others in the squad that can step in and do as good as them."

County are looking to make it four league wins in a row on Saturday, with victory against a Port Vale side who have conceded seven goals in their last two League Two matches.

However, Jardim does not read anything into the possibility his side could move into the top three this weekend.

"It's too early and obviously we are doing well. But like I said to the players, I urge everyone to make sure we keep going.

"We don't get complacent and we know that the place we are now is due to their work.

"Everything we are doing is together. So no, it's too early to make any judgement."