VETERAN defender Tony James insists that the young Newport County AFC back three will be up for the battle at Scunthorpe United today.

James came off the bench at West Bromwich Albion in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night after recovering from a hamstring injury but he admits that he’ll have to be patient to reclaim a starting place.

The 34-year-old is full of praise for Andrew Hughes, Tom Naylor and Harry Worley, who have been filling in for James, Ismail Yakubu and Byron Anthony in recent weeks.

And James says the youngsters, average age 22, have the mentality to cope with what promises to be a tough trip to Glanford Park this afternoon.

“The back three are all about 22 and they’ve done brilliantly,” said James, the Argus readers’ player of the year last season.

“They whole team has gelled quickly and we’ve started the season very well.

“We lost the other night but the mood is really positive and we’re playing some good stuff.

“The atmosphere at Glanford Park can be quite hostile but the young lads are full of confidence,” he added.

“Every game they get more experienced and more confident and they trust one another and get an understanding going.

“It’s a long trip but I think it’s also a good time of year to be going there. A lot of teams will be going there in the winter and it will be pretty bleak but we are full of confidence and looking to get ourselves at least a point.”

James says he is not fit enough to start yet but he and Yakubu, who has shaken off a calf strain, will continue to keep the pressure on Hughes, Naylor and Worley in the absence of broken leg victim Anthony.

“I feel personally that I need a few more training sessions and more minutes on the pitch, either coming off the bench or playing in reserve games,” he said.

“I have to keep topping up my fitness and then hopefully before long I can force my way back in.

“We want competition and me, Ismail and Byron will put the pressure on the young lads to keep performing.”

Meanwhile, County have released third choice goalkeeper James Bittner.

The 31-year-old, who signed a one-month contact at the end of July, did not make a competitive appearance for the Exiles.

A message on Bittner’s Twitter account reads: “All the best to @NewportCounty for the rest of the season! Great set of lads & I've really enjoyed my short time here!”