NEWPORT County AFC new boy David Longe-King faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after a “freak incident” in training.

The Exiles signed the central defender from St Albans City on a one-year contract last month and he featured in the pre-season encounters against Bristol Rovers, Cardiff City and Hereford.

The 26-year-old was not in the matchday squad for the Carabao Cup win against Swansea City and was absent in the EFL Trophy defeat to Cheltenham Town.

Manager Michael Flynn revealed that the defender, who is aiming to step up to the EFL after catching the eye in the lower leagues, has suffered an injury blow.

 

“David unfortunately has had a bad injury and will be out for a while,” said Flynn, who declined to say what the issue is when asked by the Argus.

“I am really disappointed for him because he was looking outstanding in the games that we played in pre-season.

“It was just one of those freak incidents in training where he has picked up a bad injury and will be out for a long time.”

READ MORE: Newport 0 Cheltenham 1

Flynn says that utility man Scot Bennett “isn’t far away” but that veteran forward Kevin Ellison needs more training before being introduced.

The boss has added seven players this summer – Longe-King, Ellison, Ryan Taylor (pictured below), Liam Shephard, Saikou Janneh, Scott Twine and Brandon Cooper – but isn’t finished in the transfer market.

South Wales Argus:

"There's a lot of competition for places and I am looking to bring one or two more in.

"We need to keep everybody fit and I don't want to go through the injuries that we had last season.”

Cooper signed on loan from Swansea on Monday after starting for Wales Under-21s in Bosnia & Herzegovina last Friday.

The 20-year-old made an accomplished debut in a flat four to give the management a tough call in defence after Kyle Howkins, Matty Dolan and Mickey Demetriou combined impressively to shut out the Swans on Saturday.

“I thought that Brandon Cooper was excellent against a very good and experienced professional in Reuben Reid, who is strong with a great touch and brings midfielders into play.

“Brandon competed with him and is exceptional on the ball, as you'd expect after coming from the Swansea academy. He stood up like a man so I was very impressed.”