Graham Coughlan: Newport will emerge stronger from 'hitting buffers'
- Published
James Clarke will continue his return to full fitness at Mansfield on Saturday
Graham Coughlan stopped short of calling Newport County's injury problems a crisis - but insists his young side will emerge stronger from "hitting the buffers".
Six Newport players face long-term injuries with a further three doubts for Saturday's trip to Mansfield.
Coughlan had only five on the bench against MK Dons last week and turned to teenagers in the EFL Trophy in midweek.
"We've asked so much of these kids but they've got hearts of lions," he said.
"I'm proud of their efforts because it hasn't been easy.
"We've got two young kids at left and right back and asked to play every minute. We've got 18-year-olds in Kiban Rai and Olly Thomas and two 17-year-olds (Alfie Young and Nelson Sanca) on the bench.
"They are young lads but the experience they are getting and the game time they're gaining will be invaluable in their career."
Despite their injury woes, Newport have only lost one of their last four in League Two and progressed to the second round of the FA Cup.
"Under the circumstances, the players' mindset is in a good place, their attitude and commitment doesn't change," said Coughlan.
"The group works hard, we're competitive and give our all but when we need to make subs around 70, 75 minutes we can't."
Coughlan has said he has a hit-list of players for the January transfer window and opened talks with potential targets at the Wales Under-21 game at Rodney Parade in midweek.
However he added: "We have a couple of players we would like to speak to but I don't envisage loads of players coming through the door.
"We have good numbers, it's just that at this moment in time we've hit the buffers. I won't use the word crisis, but we've hit an injury patch."
County are without the likes of Declan Drysdale, Josh Seberry, Adam Lewis, Kyle Jameson, Harry Charsley and Offrande Zanzala.
Rai, Thomas and Aaron Wildig are all doubts this weekend while James Clarke and Seb Palmer-Houlden will continue to nurse their way back to full fitness at Mansfield.
Centre-back Matt Baker, on loan from Stoke City, remains on duty with Wales Under-21s.
The high-flying Stags, third in League Two, are one of only two teams in the top four divisions - alongside League One leaders Portsmouth - still unbeaten this season.
Coughlan said: "It's a huge challenge but challenges are there to be met. I have no doubt Mansfield will be one of the three teams going up this season.
"They have great strength in depth with experienced players who have played Championship football recently, but our lads have a great fighting spirit."
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