Newport County, ravaged by a mystery bug which swept through the squad following their pre-season friendly in the South of England on Saturday, will be fielding a few unfamiliar faces for their friendly game against Steaua Bucharest, the crack Romanian side, at Spytty Park tonight (kick-off 7.30 pm).

Players were taken to hospital and more than a dozen were affected by the illness.

But any thoughts of calling off the game at the 11th hour were quickly banished by manager Tim Harris, pictured.

He said: "We have to field a side because we owe it to the people of the city.

"There is no way we will not field a team - even if Colin Addison (his assistant) and myself have to play!"

County will parade 28-year-old striker Neil Davis, the former Aston Villa and Wycombe Wanderers front runner on trial.

Harris said: "We want to have a look with a view to signing him but in view of all that has happened, it takes a back seat."

Davies was at Hednesford last season and Harris wanted him to slot in with his full first-team squad, but it is impossible on this occasion.

One of the first to receive a SOS call from Harris was Nigel Spink, the Forest Green manager.

Also on Harris' call list were Cardiff City, Cheltenham, Merthyr Tydfil, Cwmbran Town and Cinderford.

The six fit players -- at the last count -- were Pat Mountain, Darren Robison, Michael Fowler, Mark Dickeson, Darren Ryan and Raith Plant. It would have been seven but Billy Clarke was the latest victim yesterday afternoon.

Meanwhile, County have invited several past players, including John Relish and Steve Lowndes, to remind fans of the great season when the old County appeared in the European Cup Winners' Cup and reached the quarter-finals before bowing out over two legs to East Germans Carl Zeiss Jena.

Among other players to be asked along are Len Weare, John 'Polly' Rowland, Billy and Alan Herritty, Allen Wood, David Williams, Keith Tennant, Andy White, George Walters and Granville Smith.

Also attending will be the Mayor of Newport, Councillor Bob Poole.