Newport boosted by returning pair

Newport County finished 18th during the 2023-24 League Two season

Midfielder Bryn Morris is poised for his first outing of the season when Newport County entertain League Two rivals Accrington Stanley at Rodney Parade.

Newport will also be strengthened by the return from injury of attacking midfielder Oliver Greaves.

But both may have to be patient as head coach Nelson Jardim assesses whether to change a winning side after last weekend's 3-1 home victory over highly-fancied Doncaster Rovers.

Former Middlesbrough player Morris was a league ever-present last season and netted eight goals in total, but has yet to feature this term due to a tendon problem in his leg.

His availability for the Accrington clash has been warmly welcomed by Jardim, who said: “I know how important he is and how important he was in the past.

“The main thing is how important he can be for the future. With regards to that, he will definitely be important and he is working hard to reach the best levels he can get.”

Morris arrived at Newport in the summer of 2023 after leaving Grimsby and was a dynamic presence in the Exiles' midfield under former boss Graham Coughlan.

Jardim said: "He is an experienced player, a quality player, he knows the league, he knows the game, he knows the club, he knows most of the squad and obviously he is someone who can understand the way I want to play which is great.

“From when I have been speaking to him, he believes in it as well. I am really looking forward to him being fully fit and helping the team.”

Former Sheffield United player Greaves, 24, scored on his debut in the opening day 3-2 defeat at Cheltenham Town, but has been sidelined since with a knee injury.

Both will be vying for game time against Accrington, although Jardim may be tempted to keep the winning formula, leaving the duo to bide their time.

Jardim said: "Everyone at this club has to be patient. We know what we are doing.

"The players know their chance will come and the ones who are playing now, they cannot stop improving.

"They have to keep going knowing this level of competition in the squad is something I look for as it is something that will improve everyone."