Newport County sign defender Fraser Franks on loan

Newport County have completed the signing of defender Fraser Franks from League Two side AFC Wimbledon on a month's loan.

The 21-year-old, a product of Brentford's youth system, is building up his fitness after six months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Franks joined the Dons in August 2010 and made 24 appearances last season.

He has previously spent loans spells at Basingstoke Town and Hayes & Yeading United.

Newport County boss Justin Edinburgh has been keen to sign defensive reinforcements before the loan window closes on Thursday.

Franks will go straight into the squad for Saturday's Blue Squre Bet Premier trip to Lincoln City.

Captain and centre-back Gary Warren is struggling with ankle trouble and veteran player/coach Wayne Hatswell had to replace Warren as County held Cambridge to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday.

County defender Warren was forced off in the 68th minute at the Abbey Stadium after "rolling" his ankle and 36-year-old Hatswell was called into action.

"Gary Warren probably should not have played as he took a bad knock on Saturday," acknowledged Edinburgh.

"But that is the character of the guy and knowing Gary, he will put himself forward for Saturday but we'll have to asses that."

County, who have qualified for the FA Trophy final to face York at Wembley, were already without injured defenders Ismail Yakubu (hamstring) and Lee Baker (toe).

But strikers Sam Foley and Ryan Charles, midfielder Lee Minshull and winger David Pipe missed Tuesday's draw.

Edinburgh, whose side are just two points above the relegation zone and without a win in four league games, is confident Foley, Charles, Minshull and Pipe will be fit the clash against Lincoln City.

Lincoln are just one place above the drop zone but only on goal difference and are on a seven-match winless run.