Newport County's Andrew Hughes faces lengthy absence

Andrew Hughes made his Newport County debut in 2008

Newport County defender Andrew Hughes will be out for between six and 12 months after suffering a serious knee injury in last Saturday's win over Stevenage.

Scans confirmed the 22-year-old suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury and he will undergo surgery.

"This is a huge blow for Andrew as it is for the football club," manager Justin Edinburgh said.

"His performances this season have been first class."

Edinburgh added: "Knowing Andrew as a person, his temperament and attitude will get him back to full fitness sooner rather than later.

"Whilst we all know the severity of this injury, we have no doubt that Andrew will return to full fitness being the highly motivated professional that he is."