HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE v COUNTY (Today, KO 3pm) NEWPORT County AFC manager Justin Edinburgh believes the return of midfielder Max Porter will prove even more valuable than making a new signing.

Former Rushden and Diamonds and Wimble-don man Porter, and England C international, will feature in today’s friendly at Havant and Waterlooville, his first competitive action in seven-and-a-half months.

Porter left the field at Lincoln in early January with a groin strain initially expected to cost him two weeks, but he missed the entire run-in and Newport’s historic triumph in the Conference play-offs.

However, following successful surgery over the summer, Porter resumed full pre-season training with the rest of the squad.

He’s now ready to step things up and get some game time, starting on the South Coast today at Havant and Waterlooville.

And his manager is adamant the return of Porter, Newport’s club captain last term, is a boost to everyone at the club.

“Having Max back is as important as a new signing, probably more so as the players are thrilled he’s back and it’s been good for team spirit,” Edinburgh explained.

“We need to treat Max carefully and not rush him along, but it would be wonderful for him to be available for the start of the season.”

Edinburgh doesn’t feel Porter’s influence can be overstated.

“Before Max got injured he was arguably on his way to being our player of the season, he’s very important for us,” Edinburgh said.

“Even before we played Wrexham at Wembley we had started talking to Max about a new deal, that’s how highly I think of him.

“We will look to give him a run out today. Whether it’s for a half, or an hour.... but we want to see him back.”