MIDFIELDER Lee Minshull returns from his three-game ban today determined to make up for lost time.

The 27-year-old hopes to dislodge either Robbie Willmott, Mike Flynn or Adam Chapman from the team and reclaim his starting spot for Newport County AFC at Bury.

Minshull was a regular in the side until his red card for a raised elbow in the 1-1 draw with Mansfield Town four weeks ago.

And he admits that it has been frustrating watching from the sidelines, especially as County lost 3-2 at home to Morecambe the week after his dismissal.

“I think it’s worked out a month in the end since my last game so it’s been a long time and I’m glad to be back involved again, hopefully,” he said.

“It has been quite costly for me personally, especially as I was quite happy with the way I was playing.

“I still don’t think it was a sending off – I’ve seen worse every weekend,” he added. “When you go up for a lot of headers you get caught. I got caught in the same game and got a cut so it is tough for the referees.

“They have to make a decision and they don’t know if there is intent there so it is difficult.

“It was frustrating watching that Morecambe game because we should have won that but we’ve had two good wins since then and it sets us up nicely for the three away games now.”

And Minshull is not taking anything for granted in terms of reclaiming his starting spot after the Exiles’ fine wins against Exeter City and Torquay United over the last two weeks.

“I’ve watched all the games and I think we’ve done well and carried on our good form and whoever plays won’t affect us too much I don’t think,” he said.

“I’ve been ticking over, making sure I keep myself fit and I’m ready to play a part if selected.”

Part of that ‘ticking over’ was playing in Tuesday’s humbling 13-0 defeat in a friendly against Cardiff City at the Premier League team’s Vale of Glamorgan training ground.

“It was tough going and obviously not enjoyable to play in but I just took it as 90 minutes in the bank really,” said Minshull.

“It was a pretty strong Cardiff side. They had quite a few experienced squad members playing and their young lads were good as well so it wasn’t a good experience for us!

“I did a lot of running without the ball so hopefully that will stand me in good stead to face Bury.”

One thing that did please Minshull was the news that manager Justin Edinburgh has agreed an extension to his contract.

“It’s great news,” he said. “He’s doing a good job and I think we could have taken even more points this season, to be honest. So if we keep going then hopefully we’ll have a decent season.”

Watch the 13-0 defeat to Cardiff City here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHZvL2gU6Bk