LEE Minshull insists he can continue to be a key man in Newport’s midfield, and it’s a good job with the Exiles failing to make headway in the transfer market, writes Michael Pearlman.

The Exiles are now down to the bare bones in terms of midfielders, Max Porter set for another long injury absence, leaving the Exiles with only four central midfielders to pick from.

Boss Justin Edinburgh is hopeful of signing a new man imminently, but he’s been rebuffed in an attempt to bring Alex Gilbey back to the club.

County have made several enquiries, but as of yet haven’t made any progress, a club spokesman confirmed.

But Minshull, ever-present so far this term and in superb form, is hopeful he can continue to by the Exiles’ midfield lynchpin, even if it means curbing his natural style.

“This time a year ago I was on the periphery, this has been a much better start to the season for me and I’ve been much more involved, I’m enjoying myself,” he said.

“I think we’ll head to Dagenham with confidence, Saturday was a great team performance and I thought we ticked off another box by keeping a clean sheet.

“It’s been a good start to the season all around. For me personally, with Max out, I’m playing a different role at times, usually I want to get forward as much as I can, but with Robbie Willmott and Chappers (Adam Chapman) I have to play a little deeper. But it’s a team game, that’s no bother.”

Minshull hopes Newport can bounce back from their away defeat to Northampton last time out, the Cobblers unconvincing 3-1 victors.

“Our best performance in a lot of ways was Northampton away, we learned from that, if you don’t take your chances you’ll be punished, but there wasn’t a lot wrong with how we played,” Minshull explained.

“It’s an unforgiving league, we know every week is a chance for us to pick up points and we’ve carried the momentum on from last season.

“We saw against Northampton what can happen when we aren’t right on it, but it’s not a division that holds any fear for us, if we perform to our best, we’ve always got a good chance of getting points.”