Bennett sidelined for visit of Magpies

Newport are without defender Scot Bennett for Notts County’s visit in Sky Bet League Two.

The defender has suffered a hamstring injury and has been ruled out for four to eight weeks.

Mark O’Brien is set to return as Exiles boss Michael Flynn ponders switching to three at the back following Tuesday’s 5-0 thrashing at Mansfield.

Veteran striker Paul Hayes is fit again after a groin problem, while Josh Sheehan and Emmanuel Osadebe could bolster the midfield.

County manager Kevin Nolan must decide whether to restore 17-goal top scorer Jorge Grant to the starting line-up.

Grant was dropped to the substitutes’ bench for the 2-1 midweek win against Carlisle as Nolan felt his loan signing was “jaded”.

County have been struck by a virus in recent weeks, but those problems are finally clearing and former England striker Alan Smith should return to the squad after being on antibiotics.

Shaun Brisley missed out in midweek through illness and might struggle to regain his place as Brighton loanee Ben Hall excelled on his debut.