CHINESE World Cup def-ender Fan Zhiyi's roll-ercoaster career is set to take another twist tonight.

Newport County boss Peter Nicholas says the 106-times capped star will line up for the Exiles in their opening pre-season friendly (7pm) against Welsh League Division Two outfit Newport YMCA.

Zhiyi was playing with the world's elite players this time last year at the World Cup in the Far East.

However, tonight he'll swap the awesome surrounding of playing in the world's great arenas to line up for County in the more humble surroundings of the YMCA's Mendalgief Road ground.

Nicholas is still doing his best to persuade the 33-year-old centre-back, released by Cardiff City at the end of last season, to join his revolution at the Dr Martens League club.

"He'll be playing against Newport YM-CA tonight," promis-ed Nicholas.

"We'll look to give him as much playing time as possible to improve his match fitness."

High-profile Zhiyi - dubbed the Beckham of Asia - is set to be joined at Mendalgief Road by fellow countryman Zhang Jia Ping, a trialist striker with the Exiles.

Nicholas' men face a double-header of Welsh League friendlies in the next 24 hours.

County follow their YMCA clash with a visit to Division Three Chepstow Town, now managed by Newport's record-appearance holder Mark Price.

Nicholas has promised all of his squad players a run-out in the forthcoming games and will give some of County's trialists a chance to shine.

Former Wales Schools international Gareth Phillips, the 23-year-old midfielder released by Swansea City at the end of last season, will get a chance to impress as will ex-Llanelli midfielder Nicky Palmer.

Newport have been without a left-back since the departure of Steve Benton and are in the hunt for someone to fill that role.

Nicholas will give ex-Swansea City left-back Christian James, who was at Premier League rivals Dover Athletic last season, a trial against either YMCA or Chepstow.

"I'm looking to give everyone a game just to assess my options," said Nicholas.