NEWPORT County AFC have a big injury worry over midfielder Max Porter after Tuesday night’s friendly at Evesham United.

The Exiles won their first pre-season match 4-2 but manager Justin Edinburgh’s biggest concern afterwards was for Porter who had to be withdrawn after just 25 minutes.

The 27-year-old missed the best part of a year of football with a persistent groin injury that first surfaced in January 2013.

He returned for the second half of last season but the fear is now that he has suffered a recurrence of the same problem.

“We didn’t want to take any risks with Max,” said Edinburgh. “He felt just a little bit of discomfort so we took him straight off.

“It’s too early really to tell how bad it is but hopefully it’s nothing too serious.

“It is in that groin area (again) so we’re just keeping our fingers crossed at the moment.”

Porter has now undergone a scan on the injury and County are awaiting the results.

Edinburgh was pleased with the performance at Evesham and suggested that Ex-Barnet man Byrne, who played for him at Rushden & Diamonds, could be a permanent addition to the squad.

“I thought it was a good competitive game and there were a lot of positives,” said the Exiles boss.

“It’s mainly a fitness exercise at this stage but I thought there were some good performances.

“Darren Jones was very composed. He’s got plenty of experience and I thought he did well.

“I was very pleased with Yan Klukowski as well. He’s got the knack of arriving in the box at the right time and that’s why we brought him here.

“I thought everyone did well, particularly Shaun Jeffers who has gone away and worked hard on his physique and he looked sharp.

“And the trialists certainly gave me something to think about going into Saturday.

“I’m more than happy with the squad,” he added. “I think it’s got a good shape about it.

“We’re probably looking at bringing in one more central midfield player and maybe a right-back and that’s it. I don’t foresee anyone going out at the present time.”

On Byrne, Edinburgh said: “I know him well and he showed the qualities he has so I think it is something that could be a possibility and hopefully we can make it happen.”

And winger Chris Jones, who missed Tuesday’s game, could feature at Cirencester on Saturday.

“Chris had a couple of days away but he is still with us and he’ll be involved on Saturday,” confirmed Edinburgh.

Meanwhile, the County youth team were beaten 3-1 by Wrexham in a friendly match at Newport’s Dragon Park.

Coach Mike Flynn posted on Twitter: “First game 3-1 loss. Some very good things first half, second half a lot to be worked on. Onwards and upwards.”