NEWPORT County's never ending injury problems have worsened, writes Michael Pearlman.

The Argus can confirm that all three of the Exiles' substitutions on Tuesday in the 3-0 Johnstone's Paint Trophy were enforced.

Goalkeeper Jamie Stephens has suffered a suspected torn hamstring and defender Andrew Hughes and midfielder Tom Naylor went off with muscle injuries that will be assessed this week.

Manager Justin Edinburgh confirmed: "Jamie's looks a bad one, it's a hamstring injury, a reoccurrence and I think he's going to be out for a few weeks now.

"With the other two, Tom (Naylor) and Andrew Hughes, it's more tightness, or so we hope and hopefully they'll be ok, they were more precautionary and we will assess it.

"But none of the substitutions were made tactically, there was nothing I particularly felt needed addressing at half time because we were very much in the game."

Edinburgh admitted that he felt Stephens might have done better to prevent Peterborough's opener, but immediately explained away the moment.

"Jamie I am sure will feel he could've done better for the goal, but that comes with not playing as much as he'd like and not being at his absolute sharpest.

"He's played in the cup games because I need to show that my belief in him is full and it is, it is 100% behind him."

However, Edinburgh did at least have one piece of good news for County fans ahead of Saturday's trip to Portsmouth with a key defender making his return.

"Ismail is fit and available for selection but I didn't want to risk him, we'll get more training in him this week and he'll be ready for Saturday."