PETER Nicholas is toying with the idea of adding strength-in-depth to Newport County's streamlined squad before next Monday's transfer deadline.

The Exiles boss has cut back on personnel since he arrived at Newport Stadium in November as he trimmed the club's wage bill, but now he is considering delving into the transfer market for a fresh face or two. "It's a chicken and egg situation," said the former Welsh international.

"Our current squad is more than adequate but I'm weighing up my options in case one or two players in certain areas pick up injuries or suspensions.

"I'm on the look-out for a striker because if either Garry Shephard on Neil Davis pick up knocks we might be lightweight in that department. And maybe adding another defender is a possibility."

Nicholas, though, is keen to keep the wage bill down and knows that just one win in their remaining eight games would be enough for County to cement their Dr Martens League Premier Division status for another season.

County are too far behind leaders Tamworth, 26 points ahead, to be able to challenge for promotion. And with members of Newport's successful youth Academy at his disposal, Nicholas could decide against further transfers.

On the other hand, County still have a vitally important money-spinning FAW Premier Cup final with either Wrexham or Rhyl.

County, meanwhile, are on a little bit of a run after back-to-back league victories at Halesowen Town and Hastings United as they prepare for Sunday's league match at Welling United (3pm).

They are also on a high after FAW Premier Cup success over arch-rivals Cardiff City, albeit on penalties after extra-time.

"The lads are always confident but yes, victories obviously do help boost morale," said Nicholas.

County will be without experienced central defender Jason Perry for the visit to Welling's Park View Road ground. Perry's recent performances have been impressive but the 32-year-old is suspended after his sending-off at Havant and Waterlooville two weeks ago.

His absence paves the way for veteran Billy Clark to step back into the centre-half berth after a week on the sidelines with a thigh strain.

Midfielder Kristian Dimond also returns for eighth-placed County after being cup-tied for the Cardiff game, but midfielder Ryan Ashington (ill) is still out.

Welling, who have only lost one game in their last five, sit in 16th-place and are in desperate need of all three points to drag themselves clear of the relegation dog-fight.

"They beat us 2-0 at Newport earlier in the season," remembered Nicholas, "so,we owe them one!"

Newport County (from) G Wesson, C Collins, S Benton, A Thomas, J Eckhardt, B Clark, M Rose (c), N Davies, K Dimond, M Fowler, G Shephard, N Davis, A Stevenson, R Plant, R French, J Dupres, G Jones, R Idzi.