FA Cup: Newport boss Graham Coughlan grateful for 'light relief' after injury woes

Graham Coughlan is eyeing a potentially lucrative third round tie in the FA Cup

Graham Coughlan admits he is grateful for the "light relief" of the FA Cup after the most testing two months of his managerial career.

Newport County's manager has struggled to field a team, let alone fill the bench, amid an injury crisis.

But shock back-to-back league wins and a steady return of players from the treatment room has lifted the mood.

County face National League high-flyers Barnet at Rodney Parade on Saturday for a place in the FA Cup third round.

"It's a welcome light relief from the league campaign because I can't stress just how tough the last months have been," said Coughlan.

"It's been a massive strain on everyone that would have tested any club in the country and I've had a few sleepless nights.

"We were down to the bare bones and couldn't even have training sessions that were too competitive because we were wrapping people in cotton wool.

"But we dug in and it's no coincidence that results are now coming with players coming back."

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Among those key players to have bolstered the Exiles is defender James Clarke, following a groin injury.

He returned to play a full part in both victories over Stockport County and Morecambe in the last week.

"I've never known an injury situation like it in all my years," said the 34-year-old.

"It's not just the numbers but the length of time players have been out and left us struggling to fill the bench. Fingers crossed we're coming out the back of it and it will make us stronger."

Clarke knows about the "magic" of the FA Cup having twice reached the first round with non-league Oxford City at the start of his career.

"It's great for the community and the city as well as the club, especially financially. I've never had the chance to face a team from the Premier League and that's something Newport are renowned for. Hopefully we can do that again."

Midfielder Aaron Wildig is not ready to return from back and hamstring issues while Harry Charsley, Seb Palmer-Houlden and Clarke's game time is to be managed, following lay-offs.

Coughlan added: "We're finally feeling like we're in a good place and now we have the cup to enjoy. We know the history and tradition of the FA Cup and this club's part in it.

"Barnet have been flying in the National League and there aren't that many league positions [12] between us so it's going to be a stern test."