NEWPORT County AFC will be without Charlie Cooper for tomorrow’s trip to Forest Green Rovers but manager Michael Flynn is boosted by the return of Robbie Willmott from suspension.

The boss also revealed that Matty Dolan and Andrew Crofts are “not too far away” from a return to fitness.

Cooper, the son of Rovers boss Mark, is on a season-long loan from The New Lawn and is unable to play against his parent club.

“He’ll miss out and it’s a shame because I thought in the second half on Tuesday he looked a lot better than he had been doing,” said Flynn.

“It was a big improvement and that’s good for his confidence but it’s hard now that he’s going to miss this one.

“We’re a small squad and we’re going to pick up injuries and suspensions so everyone will get a chance.

“With Cooper out we’d be really struggling on Saturday if Robbie wasn’t back,” he added.

“It’s good timing to have him back and we’ve got Matty and Crofty who are not too far away.”

Asked if either could feature on Saturday, a smiling Flynn said: “Possibly.”

Winger Keanu Marsh-Brown is also fit and ready to go and he will be keen to make an impact against his former club.

“I’m not one for sentiment,” said Flynn. “I’ll pick the team that I think can do a job on the day and if that means Keanu’s in it he’ll be in it. If not then he’s got to work hard to get in.

“The most important thing is getting the three points, not for Keanu to feel good against his old club.

“But he’s not like that. He’s a great lad and he’s been working really hard. He’s just been unfortunate with a couple of niggly injuries.”

Defender Mark O’Brien is still out with a hamstring problem but there is also good news on his injury.

"I'm not sure [how long he'll be out]," said the Exiles boss. "But it's not as bad as we thought."