NEWPORT County are set to sign versatile young former Walsall and Gillingham player Alfie Carter, pictured.

Exiles boss Tim Harris revealed yesterday that 21-year-old Carter is on his way to Newport Stadium from Dr Martens Western League table-toppers Halesowen Town.

The Worcester-based player has one month to prove to Harris that he will be a worthwhile addition to County's squad.

Carter is a quick, creative, skilful and direct player who prefers to play in midfield - but is said to be able to play anywhere on the park.

Harris revealed in the Argus yesterday that he is looking to bolster his semi-professional squad, who are "mentally and physically tired" after their heroics in the FA Cup and various other cup competitions.

Birmingham-born Carter began his footballing life as a trainee at First Division Walsall before signing professional forms at The Bescot Stadium club. He played a handful of first-team games in his three-year spell at the Midlands club before joining First Division one rivals Gillingham earlier this season.

Carter left Priestfield for Halesowen and now the 5ft 10in player is set to be on the move again. He trained last night with his new team-mates at Newport's training session in Treforest.

And Carter's arrival in Newport is the first of a possible batch of new signings as Harris says he is "keeping a close eye" on a few other players.

County are in their best financial position for some years thanks to their heroics in cup competitions this season which has added an estimated £200,000 to their bank balance.

The club pocketed £100,000 in television money after their FA Cup first round replay against Second Division Blackpool at Newport Stadium was screened live on Sky Sports.

County received £37,500 in prize money for getting to the first round of the FA Cup and are set to net £26,000 for getting to the FAW Premier Cup quarter-finals, which they only need one point from two games to achieve. All that means Newport have the extra financial clout to bring in some new faces.