NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn will redouble his efforts to strengthen his squad after securing an FA Cup replay with Middlesbrough.
Flynn had hoped to add to his squad again this week but was unable to get any deals over the line before yesterday's trip to the Riverside.
And another game against Boro at Rodney Parade adds to an already busy schedule, so the Exiles boss is keen to bring another two players before the transfer window closes on Thursday night.
“Lennie Lawrence will tell you that usually cup runs mean league failure, unless you’re one of the big boys and you can afford to play a totally different team and you can keep everybody fresh,” said Flynn after the 1-1 draw on Teesside.
“We found that out [last season] and we’ve got a small squad this season.
“I’m looking to try to add a couple more before the window closes, just to keep everybody on their toes and to freshen it up.
“It’s a tough schedule now, but it’s something we’re looking forward to.”
County return to League Two action when they host Port Vale on Tuesday night.
They then go to Grimsby Town next Saturday before welcoming Middlesbrough to Rodney Parade.
And there’s no let up after that as they host Mansfield Town, MK Dons and Swindon Town and then go to Notts County and Milton Keynes – all before the end of February.
Matty Dolan earned the replay with a stoppage-time equaliser against his boyhood club to cancel out Daniel Ayala’s 51st-minute header.
The fifth-round draw takes place from 7pm tomorrow and County and Boro will be ball number 11, but Flynn is not looking past the replay.
“There’s no chance we’ll be the favourites,” he said.
“They’re a Championship team going for the Premier League and they are littered with quality players.
“We’ve probably got a little bit of a better chance but, unless we’ve got the same work-ethic and desire and we play with the confidence that we did [on Saturday], it’s going to be a tough evening.”
If Flynn’s men do beat Tony Pulis’ side next week they will bank an extra £250,000 thanks to the EFL’s new Divisional Progress Prize.
The new initiative rewards the teams from each division of the EFL who progress the furthest in the FA Cup.
County’s League Two rivals Oldham Athletic were beaten 2-1 at Doncaster Rovers yesterday and, as the only surviving team from the fourth tier, they are now guaranteed at least £125,000 from the Divisional Progress Prize.
If they beat Boro – in a replay that could also attract live TV coverage – the Exiles will take the whole £250,000 prize money.
The club had already made close to £500,000 from the FA Cup run before this weekend.
Crewe Alexandra’s 2-1 win over Colchester United yesterday means County have dropped to 14th in the League Two table before Tuesday's match.
They are now eight points below seventh-placed Exeter City with two games in hand.
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