PETER Nicholas has laid down the law to his Newport County players and insisted they must 'stand-up and be counted.'

Nicholas has told his troops in no uncertain terms how important tomorrow's FA Trophy Third Round showdown is at Worcester City.

"This is a massive game for us," said Nicholas.

"The FA Trophy is the non-league equivalent of the FA Cup so we are keen to get as far as we can. But I need my players to stand-up and be counted.

"In recent weeks, players have gone missing for certain parts of games but what I'm looking for now are leaders on the pitch - and that's every game, not just tomorrow.

"I want players to take the initiative, start talking and keep organising. That's desperately important to our success on the pitch."

And Nicholas is buoyed as he will finally capture the signature of former Torquay United midfielder Ryan Ashington, 19, today until the end of the season after a successful loan spell at Newport Stadium.

County's fanatical band of supporters are set to descend on St George's Lane and Nicholas added: "Our fans deserve a good cup run but we need their help tomorrow.

"Their support is vital as they always give our players a massive lift and they can sometimes prove the difference."

Newport have only won once in nine games at St George's Lane but County do have the physiological advantage after beating Worcester 2-1 in the Dr Martens Premier League on Boxing Day.

"We know all too well that they're out for revenge," said Nicholas. "But we won't let that spoil our normal game."

County's Welsh semi-pro keeper Pat Mountain surpasses another milestone at Worcester as he makes his 190th start, over-taking Jon Roberts as Newport's most-used goalie.

Mountain has been touted as one of the best stoppers in non-league football and Nicholas added: "He is a very good goalkeeper and is a key member of my team."

Nicholas has been in the Newport Stadium hot-seat for seven weeks but still hasn't played his first-choice team as ten-goal striker Neil Davis (knee ligaments) is still injured. However, winger Richard French, who has been out for eight weeks with an ankle problem, is set to return within the next week.

Midfielder Nathan Davies (back) misses tomorrow's visit to Worcester, who are top of the Dr Martens Premier League, but are themselves are without injured key midfield man John Snape (knee ligaments).

Newport County (from): P Mountain, C Collins, S Benton, A Thomas, B Clark, R Ashington, M Rose (c), M Fowler, R Plant, S Walker, G Shephard, J Perry, A Stevenson, J Eckhardt, G Jones, J Luntala, T Hart, J Dupres, L Stone, A Gittings

l The FA Trophy clash is subject to a 9.45am pitch inspection tomorrow. The St George's Lane pitch is currently frozen after being hit by the big freeze and Worcester-based Conference referee Steve Door will inspect the playing surface before County's fans and players set off for the game. Call Worcester City FC on 01905 23003 tomorrow to check.