NEWPORT County AFC star Robbie Willmott is still holding out hope of making the big kick-off against Accrington Stanley next Saturday.

The 23-year-old former Luton and Cambridge winger damaged ligaments in his shoulder following a nasty challenge in Tuesday’s friendly against a Reading XI at Spytty Park.

It was initially feared that he could be out for between two and four weeks but the player himself is now optimistic that he’ll be back in action next week.

“I was told a few weeks but I’m more optimistic than that now,” he said.

“I think every player wants to start on the opening day of the season and I’m no different.

“I want to play next Saturday and I’m doing everything possible to get fit.

“I didn’t really understand what the boy was doing to be honest,” he said of the robust challenge from a Reading youngster.

“He caught me round the knees and I guess he was trying to make an impression on the first team manager. Hopefully it doesn’t prove too costly for me.

“The swelling is going down and once the bruising has eased up I’m quite optimistic that I won’t be out for that long and hopeful that I can play some part next week.”

The injury has come at a bad time for Willmott who appeared to be in fantastic form in pre-season, excelling at right wing-back and up front.

“I spoke to the gaffer at the end of last season and he said to me that I had to come back and really show him that I wanted to play a big part this year,” he said.

“I dedicated myself to getting fit in the summer. I didn’t go away and I’m in good shape and happy with how I’ve been playing.

“I spoke to the gaffer and he seems pleased with how I’ve done so hopefully the injury doesn’t slow me down to much.”

Willmott believes his versatility could be a blessing as he looks to make more starts this season. “I can play in a number of positions, which helps me a lot I think,” he added. “I don’t mind where I play, as long as I play.

“I can fill in for a number of players when they are injured but every player wants their own position and I like to play in behind the front two so I’m hoping to play there this season.”