Newport County boss Peter Nicholas hopes to confirm a double swoop on ex-Cardiff City players this week, writes Michael Pearlman.

Nicholas confirmed to the Argus that both Scott Young and Jason Bowen are close to completing moves to Spytty Park as his side prepare to take on Clevedon Town away tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

He told the Argus: "We hope to have everything sealed with Scott (Young) and Jason (Bowen) by the end of the week and we are very close with both of them."

Nicholas has a full-squad to pick from for tonight's game and he will continue to rotate and tinker with his side as County play three games in the next nine days.

He said: "I'm not interested in the result tonight but it is another great opportunity for us to play around with things and see where players are going to fit in and for the lads to play together again.

"The lads have worked really hard in pre-season and as a result the fitness levels are really starting to improve.

"The fans have been really positive about the new players we have got in so far and I am sure they will be pleased further when we sort things out this week.

"We are three weeks away from the start of the season and I am really happy with how things are going."

New signings Roger Freestone, Jonathan Coates and Carl Wilson-Denis are all in the frame to feature for County, as they bid to get one over the Southern League Division One West outfit.

Another content manager at this stage of the season is Cwmbran boss Brian Coyne, whose side travel to Newport YMCA this evening (kick-off 6.30pm). Coyne is nurturing his young side through pre-season and has been impressed with their dedication.

"The boys have come back in really good shape but of course there is a bit of work to go just yet.

"But they have great enthusiasm for what they are doing and really are itching to get involved again."

The Crows have a virtually full squad to choose from and trialists Jason Price, Chris Thomas and Justin Wickham are likely to feature.

Coyne admits he is still running the rule over all the players as he looks to boost his young squad.

Newport YMCA, who drew 1-1 with County recently, will be looking to impress against higher opposition again.

Newport YMCA squad: G Cotterill, L Walsh, S Edwards, D Porretta, C Jeavons, L Sommers, P Tranter, S Pearce, G Lynch, J Pardue, B Lynch, M Pimm, J Myles, D Routley, C Egitto, L Spargo, J Lixton, R Wigmore, M Doyle, M Ingles.

Newport County youth take on Portsmouth youth at Spytty Park tomorrow kick-off 2pm. Tickets are £2 for adults and £1 for concessions.