NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn praised a phenomenal physical effort from his players after Saturday’s win over Mansfield Town and admitted he may need to freshen things up for tomorrow’s visit of MK Dons.
A first-half strike from Robbie Willmott earned County a 1-0 win over the second-placed Stags on a difficult Rodney Parade pitch, which proved heavy going for both teams.
The Exiles face another draining 90 minutes at home to Milton Keynes tomorrow night, before welcoming Premier League champions Manchester City to Newport next weekend.
Flynn will not rest players for the FA Cup fifth-round tie against City, but there may be changes as he targets another three points against the Dons.
“It’s going to be a tough game,” said the manager. “They are another club with a big budget, but they won’t enjoy coming to Rodney Parade.
“I’ll have to have a look at how the players are but I’m not too bothered about the Man City game, to be honest.
“I know it sounds silly, but it’s a free hit. Nobody expects us to win and it’s not like if we get through this then we can draw Man Utd at Old Trafford or Chelsea at Stamford Bridge – it’s not one of those situations.
“It’s a one off, a unique thing, and I’ll put out the team that I think is ready to go and win the game on Tuesday.
“If that means it’s the same team then it’ll be the same team.”
There could, however, be debuts for new signings Ade Azeez and Harry McKirdy, while defender Fraser Franks may also feature after recovering from an ankle injury.
“I might have to freshen it up,” added Flynn.
“Ade will probably be available, Harry might be available, Fraser will be back.
“As long as I feel they’re up to speed on Monday then they’ll come into contention.
“If we’ve got to make a few changes, we’ve got to make a few changes, but I want to win on Tuesday.
“What better feeling going into the Man City game than winning three in a row?
“That would be a good starting block to play the Premier League champions.
“I have got options and you can’t keep playing the same team, especially when the grounds get heavy. It’s relentless.
“Whoever comes in has got to do the business, like the boys have done lately.”
In-form Willmott, who signed a new deal after his superb performance against Middlesbrough last week, will not want to be rested.
“He’s a good player,” said Flynn. “That’s why we extended his contract. We try to bring the right players here and I do know my stuff, believe it or not.
“It’s brilliant to have him tied down. If there are bids [for him], it’s alright because we’ve got him under contract.
“It’s good forward planning from us. You want to keep your best players.
“You can’t sort them all out before the end of the season, but we’ll see [on other contracts].”
Read more: Match report from Rodney Parade as Stags are tamed
Read more: That's my most satisfactory win of the season, says Michael Flynn
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