Former Cardiff City manager Russell Slade is plotting Newport County’s downfall this Saturday.
Grimsby Town manager Slade takes his team to Newport’s Rodney Parade ground on Saturday (3pm) looking for a fourth win in five League Two fixtures.
Former Grimsby forward Padraig Amond is in the County team and Slade says: “Amond works extremely hard and can finish. He scored a lot of goals for Grimsby in the Conference.
“He will find it harder in League Two, but he is a threat, there is no doubt about that.”
Among has scored twice for Newport this season, while strike partner Frank Nouble has netted five times.
“Frank has had a good start to the season,” said Slade. “He is tall, leggy and can go past a player. He can cut inside and beat his man.
“I watched one of his clips and he cut inside to score an extremely good goal.
“He has got a few goals and his confidence his high. If a player has confidence, they can do things to hurt you.
“We will have to be mindful of him tomorrow.”
Captain Joss Labadie and defender Mark O’Brien look certain to return for Newport County in their clash with Grimsby.
Both have been back in full training this week and County team-mate Mickey Demetriou is delighted they are available again, saying: “Labs in midfield is a different player for us in terms of what we’ve got out there at the moment.
“And with OB hopefully his foot is better now. He’s had the injection, let it settle and he’s back in training so hopefully there’s no reaction to that and the gaffer has got some headaches for selection.
“Some of their skills have been missed,” said the defender. “But to play the way we did (v Morecambe), gives him a reason to bring them back in if they are ready.
“It proved that maybe we did miss them at Morecambe – their determination and leadership skills just to get hold of the game.”
Midfield player Labadie has missed two County with a groin strain, while O’Brien has been out since early September.
Striker Marlon Jackson is still out with a hamstring problem and midfield player Reece Cole is likely to be missing after aggravating a knee injury in a midweek friendly win over Forest Green Rovers. That game was played behind closed doors.
Newport County, possible: Day, Bennett, O’Brien, White, Demetriou, Butler, Dolan, Tozer, Labadie (capt), Amond, Nouble.
Subs, from: Willmott, Quigley, Bittner, McCoulsky, Pipe, Owen-Evans, Reynolds, Rigg, Jahraldo-Martin.
