Pidgeley blow for Exiles
Newport look set to be without goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley when they host Oxford on New Year's Day.
The high-flying sides meet at Rodney Parade with just one point separating them but the Exiles' number one will be missing with a broken thumb.
The former Exeter shotstopper, who was one of their outstanding performers in Sunday's defeat to Burton, had an X-ray on Monday morning and was delivered with the verdict before visiting a specialist.
And with former Liverpool keeper Jamie Stephens sidelined with a hamstring injury manager Justin Edinburgh looks set to turn to 18-year-old Connor Christie or defender Andy Sandell who has been the back-up to Pidgeley in recent weeks.
Oxford will be without experienced striker Dave Kitson once more.
The former Reading forward missed their 2-0 home loss to Scunthorpe after picking up his 10th yellow card of the campaign and he will now sit out the second of his two-game ban so Deane Smalley could continue alongside James Constable.
But manager Chris Wilder looks set to recall Michael Raynes to his defence for the clash with the Exiles and he could swap to a three-man defence as they look to get back to winning ways.
Injured trio Alfie Potter, Jon Meades and Andy Whing remain sidelined until February while Asa Hall could start the last match of his loan stay from Shrewsbury.
Source: PA
