NEWPORT County defenders Scott Morgan and Darren Jones are looking for an escape route out of Spytty Park as the shadow of relegation creeps up on the club.

The 29 year-old centre-back Morgan, who has being playing left back for most of the season, is being tracked by former club Dorchester and he is quoted in the Dorset Echo as being keen on a move.

Morgan, who lives in Dorset, is also reported in the article to have said that things were "an absolute nightmare at Newport at the moment", comments sure to upset both his manager John Cornforth and club directors.

And in another body blow for County, it is understood that captain Darren Jones has become unsettled and has also made noises about leaving the club.

Centre back Jones has been one of the few bright spots in a troubled season for County and he is believed to have spoken to former manager Peter Nicholas to use his contacts to fix him up with a move away from Newport.

Both players were unavailable for comment but manager Cornforth said of Morgan: " I know about Dorchester's interest and have spoke to Scott. I have told him that I don't want him to leave the club.

"Scott has been one of the big pluses for me and has played well week in, week out at centre back or at left back.

"He can play both positions well which is a major plus for us.

"He is under contract and I've told him to just keep his head down and get on with it."

Sources close to Dorchester say that a move is unlikely for Morgan as it would require a fee and the Magpies do not have much money to spend.

A move to neighbours Weymouth, who approached Morgan last year, is much more realistic and Weymouth boss Steve Johnson has admitted he is looking to strengthen his squad.

Cornforth was more guarded on the Darren Jones issue saying that he would not be going anywhere any time soon.

Coincidentally, both players will miss tonight's Gwent Senior Cup clash with Tillery at Newport Stadium (kick-off 7.45pm).

Both players have picked up one match suspensions for going through the disciplinary points threshold and can sit out the match so that they will be available again for the trip to Hornchurch on Saturday.

Cornforth is set to field a team of youngsters, even though he has been forced to do so in most recent weeks anyway.

"It is a chance for some of the lads who are coming to the end of their time at the Academy," Cornforth said. "A few of them will be playing for their future so it is a chance to come in and impress.