NEWPORT County AFC manager Justin Edinburgh is preparing for a busy weekend as he targets a first League Two away win before turning his attention to signing a midfielder.

The Exiles are on the road again this weekend, heading to Scunthorpe United today following trips to Dagenham & Redbridge and West Bromwich Albion in the past week.

Edinburgh is looking for his squad to chalk up a first three points away from Rodney Parade after the draw at Dagenham last Saturday and a defeat at Northampton Town.

Then he will attempt to fill the hole in his squad created by Max Porter’s persistent groin injury before Monday’s 11pm transfer deadline.

“We had the blow of Max Porter being ruled out for a fair amount of time and we are still working on bringing somebody else in,” said Edinburgh.

“I certainly feel that we need to strengthen in that area. We’ve got Adam Chapman and Lee Minshull and we’re getting Flynny up to speed now but we are light in that area.

“Defensively and in attack I think we’re OK but in midfield we are light.”

He added: “It’s difficult with the international clearance rules and I doubt we will be able to complete a deal before Saturday.

“But myself and Tim Harris are working hard and I’m hopeful that before Monday night we’ll have the signature of a player we’ve been chasing.”

Edinburgh also has defensive concerns ahead of the trip to Glanford Park with left wing-back Andy Sandell likely to be ruled out with a foot injury.

“Andy Sandell is struggling,” said the Exiles boss. “I don’t think he’ll be fit for the weekend, which is a bit of a blow, but one person’s mishap is someone else’s gain.

“He’s got a problem with his foot. He’s had it for a little while now but we’ve been able to manage it.

“Rest is the only cure for it really and when we’ve played Saturday to Saturday we’ve been able to rest it in the early part of the week but he’s in a lot of discomfort now.

“Unless he drastically improves I don’t expect Andy to take part in Saturday’s game.”

Could that lead to a change in formation from 5-3-2 to 4-3-3?

“No, I think we’ve got players who can come in and fill Andy’s position,” said Edinburgh.

“We’ve got Ismail Yakubu back in training now so he’ll come back into the squad.

“And it was good for Tony James and Mike Flynn to get minutes under their belt at West Brom.

“We are getting everyone up to speed now and it’s good for me and good for them that they are ready to come in and hit the ground running.”