NEWPORT County AFC boss Graham Coughlan criticised Omar Bogle’s professionalism after the striker revealed he will be out until March on social media.

Last season’s top scorer suffered a muscle injury in training the day before the December 29 draw with Crewe Alexandra in League Two.

Bogle was sent for a scan and his manager said a specialist was assessing the extent of the damage.

However, the striker revealed in response to a supporter on an Instagram Q&A that he will be out for between eight and 10 weeks.

South Wales Argus: Omar Bogle revealed the extent of his injury on social mediaOmar Bogle revealed the extent of his injury on social media (Image: Instagram)

“I don't think we're ready to go public with our findings as of yet," said Coughlan after the 1-1 draw at Sutton United.

“If Omar is using social media to inform people that he's injured and the length of his injury then that is something that needs to be addressed by the football club.

“That's not how we do things. If Omar wants to go on social media and put that on then that's his prerogative, but it's not the most professional thing I've seen in my life.”

County are down to top scorer Will Evans and Bristol City loanee Seb Palmer-Houlden as their first-choice strike partnership with teenager Kiban Rai their back-up.

Offrande Zanzala is on the comeback trail from ruptured knee ligaments suffered last February.

“We've had injuries all season but one man's misfortune is another man's opportunity,” said Coughlan. “Hopefully one or two will get the opportunity and be able to take it.”

County were without left-back Adam Lewis, who made his return from a quad injury as a sub in the Boxing Day win over Forest Green, on New Year’s Day.

Centre-backs Kyle Jameson (hip), Declan Drysdale (hamstring) and Josh Seberry (broken foot) are on the injury list along with Bogle while midfielder Aaron Wildig missed the draws with Crewe and Sutton with an illness.

County host National League Eastleigh on Saturday in the third round of the FA Cup – a tie that not only presents the chance to earn a clash with a big gun but carries £105,000 in prize money for the winners.

Coughlan is able to name a nine-man bench for the clash at Rodney Parade, although he may not have the numbers to do so.