Newport County number one Pat Mountain insists a trouble-free pre-season will be the key for a good Dr Martens League charge next term.

County's summer last year was decimated as a bug swept through the camp following a pre-season tour to the south coast.

A majority of the squad suffered with stomach upsets, while young midfielder Allan Stevenson was rushed into hospital with severe diarrhoea and vomiting.

Mountain, however, was among the lucky ones as he escaped infection. Now the 26-year-old goalkeeper is hoping for a pre-season clear of crisis as Peter Nicholas prepares his men for premier league battle.

"Our pre-season could surely be no worse this year," said Mountain. "Last year, it was a nightmare. Our preparation was shot to bits by that bug.

"If we are to have a good season next campaign, then pre-season needs to be trouble free."

The former Welsh Under-21 goalkeeper had his own problems at the back end of last season after damaging his cruciate ligament in his left knee in his 199th County start.

Mountain was stretchered off after just ten minutes of Newport's Dr Martens League draw against Cambridge City in March.

Doctors' initial fears were that his knee would have to be reconstructed but, luckily for Mountain, the cruciate damage was minimal and he only needed a small operation.

Now, following tireless rehabilitation, the shot-stopper is well ahead of schedule and itching to return for pre-season training at Newport Stadium on July 5.

"I've done endless gym work and swimming and it has paid off," he said.

"I'm now diving around and there has been no reaction. I'm eager to start full-on training again and I'll be ready for pre-season no problem.

"It has been a bit of a slog at times but I've remained positive and, like a little kid, I just want to play football.

"And I so desperately want to reach my 200-game milestone for Newport County, that would be superb.

"By the time I play competitive football again, I would have been out of the game for five months and, for me, that's a very long time."

Mountain married his long-term girlfriend Tracy at Castell Coch yesterday.

l County's youngsters entertain Premiership new boys Ports-mouth's youth team in pre-season. Pompey will be at Newport Stadium on July 23 (4pm) to play the Exiles side that won the South West Counties League last season.