PETER Nicholas is itching to get his Newport County side out against Mangotsfield United tonight because, for the first time this pre-season, he has got a full compliment of players to choose from.

Star striker Garry Shephard, the Exiles' top-scorer in two of the last three seasons, has returned from a family holiday and will play a part in tonight's friendly with the Dr Martens League Western Division side at their Cossham Street ground.

Shephard had planned to take his annual leave during the close-season but as his young son broke his arm, the 27-year-old was forced to delay his break in the sun.

But the newly-arranged holiday means that Shephard, second on County's all-time list of top hitmen with 56 goals in 134 starts, has missed all of Newport's six pre-season friendlies so far.

Now, after following a fitness programme while abroad, Shephard is ready to provide that much-needed cutting edge tonight (7.45pm).

"I'm ready and raring to go," he insisted. "I couldn't help the problem with my holiday and I really appreciate the manager saying I could go."

Shephard is battling with Neil Davis and Mark Dickeson for one of the two striking berths. Dickeson, like Shephard, needs vital match-practice following a thigh strain.

Former Chinese international skipper Fan Zhiyi is set to line-up in midfield after shrugging off a stomach strain. He will play alongside fellow trialist Gareth Phillips in a hotly-contested Exiles midfield.

With Welsh semi-pro ball-winner Nathan Davies and club captain Matt Rose also vying for midfield berths, County chief Nicholas, if he can persuade Zhiyi and Phillips to sign, will have an embarrassment of riches in that department.

Speaking ahead of tonight's game, Nicholas said: "I've got everyone at my disposal. At last I can start thinking about my preferred starting XI for the opening premier league game against Welling on Saturday week."

Nicholas, though, will give a late fitness-test to experienced centre-back Jason Perry (back) while teenage winger Chris Rogers is still on holiday. Trialists Nicky Palmer (midfield), Steve Williams (right-back) and striker Kristian Hanbury and Jamie Michael are also in the squad to travel to Mangotsfield.