NEWPORT County defender Ian Hillier (pictured) says he has no regrets about joining the basement boys - and is backing the Exiles to move away from the danger zone - starting against Maidenhead today (kick-off 3pm).

County slumped to the bottom of the Conference South last weekend after a dismal 1-0 defeat at Carshalton, but have a chance to leapfrog the visitors if they claim the spoils in the Spytty Park showdown.

Hillier, 25, the former Tottenham and Luton Town defender, has never faced a relegation battle in his career, but insists the entire County squad is confident of survival.

"I have no regrets about joining the club. We are in a bad position but in a lot of games we would have got the right result if we'd had a bit more luck," he said.

"I spoke to the lads who were here last season about what a nightmare it was to be in a relegation scrap and unfortunately we now find ourselves in the same position this time around.

"It is a first for me. I have never played in a side at the bottom of the table before and we all have a responsibility to make sure we get out of the situation quickly, we owe it to the supporters.

"I suppose for the more senior players like myself, Jason Bowen and Tony Pennock there is a bigger need to lead by example, because generally at a football club the more senior players try to help the youngsters and I am happy to take more responsibility.

"The dressing room is still positive and bubbly and that is encouraging, we don't really mention relegation, we are just focused on stringing a run together."

Hillier has been forced into a central defensive role since Paul Cochlin injured a knee against Weston over Christmas, but has admitted that once Cochlin is fit again, he is looking forward to reverting to his usual right back position.

"At the moment I am needed in the centre of defence and I am happy to play wherever I am needed, but hopefully I will go back to right-back when Cochlin is fit because I have a good understanding with Jason Bowen.

"'Bows' being fit again is a massive boost to us and he is a pleasure to play behind. He rarely wastes the ball and is very aware of what the players around him are trying to do."

County still have a question mark over the availability of left-back Geraint Bater, who has been battling with a heavy cold all week. Cochlin is still injured and misses out, so Hillier could again partner Gareth Warton in the centre of defence, though Stuart Edwards, signed last week from Llanelli, is another option.

County (from): Pennock, T Evans, D Evans, Bater, Hillier, Warton, Hearne, Edwards, Jenkins, Williams, Davies, Fisken, Toppar, Bowen, Hughes, Green, Prosser, Bradley