Jaanai Gordon eyeing starting spot as bottom side Newport host leaders Doncaster
Jaanai Gordon has stepped up his bid for a Newport start ahead of Friday night's visit of Sky Bet League Two leaders Doncaster.
The on-loan West Ham youngster rescued County with a stoppage-time equaliser after coming off the bench at Cheltenham last weekend, and scored twice for the reserves against Exeter on Monday.
But County boss Graham Westley has suggested the 21-year-old still has work to do to dislodge fellow front men Ryan Bird, Aaron Williams or Craig Reid from the starting XI.
Defender Mickey Demetriou is also likely to be on the bench for the League Two basement boys, but Josh Sheehan could return to the starting line-up after an ankle problem.
Doncaster striker Liam Mandeville has suffered a new injury blow and will miss the trip to Wales.
The teenager made his first appearance of the year following a hamstring injury in last week's home draw against Morecambe, only to twist his ankle soon after stepping off the bench and will now be sidelined for up to three weeks.
James Coppinger has been playing through the pain in recent matches due to a heel problem, but is expected to continue.
Long-term absentees Gary McSheffrey (groin) and Aaron Taylor-Sinclair (knee) both returned to training this week but remain sidelined and Luke McCullough (knee) is still out.
Source: PAR
