NEWPORT County boss Dean Holdsworth is expecting to use around 24 different players in tomorrow's pre-season opener at Cinderford (kick-off 7.45pm).

Exiles manager Holdsworth is yet to finalise his first team squad for next season, having signed a number of players this summer, with even more players heading for the Spytty Park exit.

Holdsworth is intending to hold an impromptu training session at Cinderford, with players not in action on the field working throughout the 90 minutes.

He explained: "It is amazing that our first pre-season game is almost upon us and it'll be a good chance for me to have a look at the boys.

"As a football man it is exciting but as a manager you approach all pre-season games apprehensively.

"We've worked hard to get where we are in terms of preparation for the new season.

"The last thing we want is to pick up injuries and I will be looking for certain things from the players.

"It'll be a test of the players' desire and attitude, that's one thing.

"Also it gives us a chance to work on set-pieces and to experiment with positions and formations.

"Hopefully, it'll be a beneficial occasion for us."

Holdsworth's apprehension is no-doubt fuelled by County's rotten luck in pre-season in recent years, having lost Lee Jenkins, Geraint Bater, Tony Pennock and Paul Cochlin to serious injury.

However, Holdsworth takes a fully fit squad to Cinderford, managed by Lee Relish, son of former County favourite John Relish.

Travelling Exiles fans will be looking forward to debuts from Danny Rose, Adie Harris, Dave Collins, Paul Keddle, Nick Skelton, Kevin Stephens, Phil Walsh and Martyn Giles.

Goalkeepers Glyn Thompson and Scott James should both see some action, as will Ian Hillier, Steve Jenkins, Nathan Davies, Richard Evans and Craig Hughes.

Young central midfielder Kris Leek, who looks likely to return to County for the new campaign, may also feature, as will up to six graduates from the County academy.

Among the Exiles triallists set to feature are defender Matt Walsh (Cheltenham academy) and Leon Fisher, an attacking player who has recently left Holdsworth's former club Redbridge.

Striker Guy Ipoua, who has been training with Newport, is injured and won't feature.

County's youth side have been invited to play away to Aston Villa in Birmingham on Saturday 9 August, kicking off at 11 am.

Academy Director Glyn Jones said: "We already had matches arranged away to Swindon, Cheltenham and Shrewsbury and at home to Bristol Rovers and Plymouth and we are now absolutely delighted to secure such a big name as Aston Villa. Playing against such opponents will be a great experience for our lads."

Academy boss Jones is to join the Welsh Schools Under-18 set-up by accepting the offer of the position of head coach. The appointment will not affect his role with the club and at Hartridge School.

11:55am Wednesday 9th July 2008

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