Newport's McLoughlin faces six weeks out

Shane McLoughlin joined Newport County from Salford City in July 2023

Newport County will be without defender Shane McLoughlin for at least six weeks as the wing-back added to the League Two club's selection problems.

McLoughlin has been ruled out until the end of next month after suffering a knee problem in last weekend’s 4-1 defeat by Port Vale.

The 27-year-old has avoided the need for surgery - and fears of a lengthier lay-off - but it still comes with the Exiles already missing a number of defenders through injury and suspension prior to Saturday’s visit to Swindon Town.

“Shane has added to our list and it’s not looking good and we expect him to be out for at least six weeks,” said Newport head coach Nelson Jardim.

“Looking for a positive it was nothing serious, are lucky nothing broke and at least he doesn’t need surgery.”

McLoughlin had started all five of County’s league games under summer-appointment Jardim and was captain in their EFL Trophy match against Cheltenham.

His absence comes on top of County being without captain James Clarke at winless Swindon, the centre-back still two weeks from fitness, as well as right-back Joe Thomas who is also missing through injury.

Centre-backs Ciaran Brennan and Kyle Jameson are both banned after the pair’s red cards against Port Vale.

And the Exiles are also without midfielder Kai Whitmore and winger Michael Spellman through injury.

“It’s never a good time for injuries and the sendings off did not help, but I do feel I have options, players who are willing to help and play different positions and we will find a solution,” said Jardim who does welcome back central defender Matt Baker following international duties with Wales Under-21.

“Everything has to be thought through. We are still trying to improve football wise, trying to make sure the players are still playing in the way we want to play, but we have to assess everything and these injuries and sendings off have not come at the best moment.

“We will find a way to get through this period still knowing our direction, we know what we are trying to do and it is just a little setback not having our full squad.”

Brennan begins a three-game suspension for kicking out at Port Vale’s Ben Garrity in an off-the-ball incident, while Jameson will miss one match for his dismissal for two yellow cards.

Jardim said Brennan was caught out by experience, but added: “We went back and saw the footage, we know what happened, we addressed it, spoke as a group and we move on.

"My job here is to make sure they understand what happened and that it doesn’t happen again.”