Jardim hopeful of fitness boost to key Newport players

Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim hopes to have a fully fit squad available in the coming weeks as key players make progress after injuries.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's League Two trip to Grimsby Town, Jardim said Keenan Patten and Kyle Hudlin, along with midfielder Cameron Antwi, are all set to return soon.

"Patten's back with a full week of training, Hudlin has started running and Antwi, who has been sidelined for 12 days following a head concussion, will also be available," says Jardim.

"Things are looking very good at the moment, and hopefully, within two weeks, we should have the full squad, assuming no setbacks."

With Newport having lost three consecutive away games, the 46-year-old is keen to see his team bounce back.

Grimsby sit two points off the play-off spots while Newport are 16th and Jardim said: "It's going to be a huge game for us and for them.

"They're two points off the play-offs. But for us, it's about focusing on how we can improve and compete. We want to improve our away form, which hasn't been good enough lately."