Newport County will welcome a timely midfield boost for their League Two trip to Grimsby Town, with Cameron Antwi and Keenan Patten both back in contention after injury layoffs.
Patten has been unavailable since picking up a muscle strain in the draw against Bradford City on February 15, while Antwi was sidelined with a concussion sustained in the defeat at Chesterfield. The 22-year-old missed the subsequent two matches – a heavy loss at Accrington Stanley and a convincing 3-0 victory over Harrogate Town.
Returning Duo May Not Play
Despite their return to fitness, head coach Nelson Jardim could opt to stick with the pairing of Ciaran Brennan and Shane McLoughlin in midfield – two defenders who impressed in central roles during the comfortable win over Harrogate.
“We’ve got Patten back with a full week of training and Cameron Antwi is available again after being out for 12 days with a concussion, so things are looking good at the moment,” said the Portuguese.
Jardim emphasised the importance of squad depth and competition for places, especially as the season enters its final stretch. County currently sit 16th in the League Two standings, 16 points clear of relegation but also a dozen shy of the play-off places.
“That competition is what we want. We want options. It is important when the boys feel that there is competition in there because you take that into the games. It is a positive that we’ve got more options and more competition in the middle of the park.”
Meanwhile, towering striker Kyle Hudlin has taken the first steps in his recovery from a calf injury. The 6ft 9ins forward has not featured since netting the winner against Carlisle United, but is now back doing light training.
“Kyle is not available yet. It was the very first time he was back on the grass today and it was good to watch him pushing and feeling happy to be back on track,” said Jardim. “Hopefully he will be back in a week or two, depending on how things develop.”
Writer’s View
Newport County’s form has been steadily improving, and the return of Antwi and Patten only strengthens their midfield resilience. While Jardim’s experiment with Brennan and McLoughlin in the middle worked well last time out, having natural midfielders fit again gives the Exiles flexibility and tactical variety.
Hudlin’s return will be keenly anticipated, but Jardim is right to proceed with caution. A late-season push may be out of reach, but ending the campaign strongly would lay the groundwork for next year.
