Newport County eye permanent deal for Liverpool's Adam Lewis

The Liverpool loanee was sent off in the last minute of added time after a studs-up challenge on Dan Martin in Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat to Accrington Stanley.

It sparked a dust-up and referee Darren Drysdale consulted with his assistant before showing red to Lewis and no yellows.

The left-back will now be banned for the final three games of the season to the frustration of Coughlan.

OFF: County's Adam Lewis sparked a dust-up with a challenge against Accrington and was sent off (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“We appealed it unsuccessfully,” said the manager. “We looked at it and the reasons why he was sent off are very unclear.

“I can’t actually see it myself after we looked at the video; it wasn’t a tackle because there was no contact made and there was no violent conduct, which he received the three-game ban for.

“Whatever happened in front of the stand, there was a kerfuffle and the lad who he was in the non-challenge with was able to get up and three of them surrounded him.

“I don’t know whether the referee and linesman panicked and decided there was a melee with Adam Lewis involved, let’s send him off.

“It was strange to issue one red card when three Accrington players came rushing in to grab him. I would have thought there would be more consequences for other players.”

Lewis is only the second County player to be suspended this season – captain Ryan Delaney was sent off for two yellows against Barrow in second, the first of which was harsh – and will miss Saturday’s game against Tranmere, the home finale against Salford and the last-day trip to Bradford.

The 24-year-old is in his second loan spell with the Exiles and has previously said he is open to staying when his Liverpool contract expires this summer.

CROSS: Adam Lewis whips the ball in for County against Accrington (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“I would like to keep him here, I’d like to sit down with him and have conversations around his future.

“I don’t know what Liverpool will want to do with him, if they offer a new contract then I don’t think we can compete with that. If they don’t then I’d like to have a conversation with him.”

Lewis made 28 appearances after being signed on loan by previous County boss James Rowberry for 2022/23 and returned last summer to make 30 outings this season, with quad injuries limiting his games in both campaigns.

His suspension leaves County sweating on the availability of Newcastle loanee Matty Bondswell, who went off in first-half added time against Stanley.

The left wing-back had been fielded in an attacking role in front of Lewis but suffered a heavy fall after an aerial challenge in the 28th minute.

“I don’t think he is available for Tranmere because he picked up a knock around the back of the head, shoulder, neck area,” said Coughlan.

“He hit the ground with a force and had to come off but it’s not concussion. We don’t know and will give him as much time as we can up until kick-off.”

With full-backs Shane McLoughlin and Lewis Payne also sidelined, that could leave hard-working forward Will Evans returning to left-back after scoring 24 goals this season.

“It’s hard and we are just sticking plasters on gushing wounds. We are having to play one or two players out of position and formations that are not ours,” said Coughlan.

“It’s not a great situation to be in. We should be finishing the season strongly and not limping towards the finish line.”