Newport v Southend preview

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The Exiles are set to be boosted by the return of Andrew Hughes for the visit of Shrimpers.

The 21-year-old defender, who recently signed a new deal with the Exiles, has missed their last two games with a hamstring problem but is available to feature again.

Ryan Burge’s muscle injury will be assessed by the club’s medical staff before a decision is made on his availability but Harry Worley is two weeks away from a comeback.

Star striker Christian Jolley is pushing for a start after returning to the matchday squad on Tuesday after five weeks on the sidelines with a groin injury and manager Justin Edinburgh says he is likely to be involved.

Southend are without suspended pair Mark Phillips and John White.

The Shrimpers saw their appeal against centre-back Phillips’ dismissal against Dagenham on Tuesday dismissed and he now starts a three-match ban.

Full-back White serves an automatic one-match ban having collected his fifth booking of the season during the 1-0 defeat in midweek.

Freddy Eastwood is still not 100 per cent but continues to play on as he manages a troublesome knee injury while fellow striker Craig Reid will have his troublesome ankle assessed ahead of the game.