NEWPORT County AFC boss Nelson Jardim has welcomed his selection headaches for tonight’s clash with Chesterfield in ‘ruthless and relentless’ League Two.

The Exiles entertain the Spireites (kick-off 8pm) in the first of three key league fixtures with a trip to Gillingham on Tuesday and then a home encounter with Fleetwood.

County have made a steady start to life under head coach Jardim despite being stretched through injury and suspension.

The boss is starting to have some welcome selection headaches and is boosted by the return from international duty of goalkeeper Nick Townsend and defender Matt Baker for tonight along with left-back Anthony Glennon after suspension and midfielder Kai Whitmore from injury.

“It’s ruthless and relentless league so we almost need two squads to be competitive every game,” said Jardim.

“We have a busy period in League Two and then an FA Cup game coming up. It will be busy and we need all of our squad.”

Versatile full-back/midfielder Shane McLoughlin could be in the mix for next weekend after being out with a knee injury since the start of September.

Newcastle loanee Jamie Miley made a solitary outing in the EFL Trophy before needing a hernia operation but has been in full training in the closing stages of his recovery.

A fit and firing squad will give County a chance of building on their start to the campaign, with the need for a positive result against Chesterfield after defeats on the road to Bradford and Harrogate.

BOSS: County boss Nelson Jardim at Rodney ParadeBOSS: County boss Nelson Jardim at Rodney Parade (Image: Lewis Mitchell/Huw Evans Agency)

The Exiles have had just one success on their travels this season and that travel sickness means they have to keep racking up the points in Newport.

“It definitely adds pressure, I am not going to hide from that,” said Jardim. “Winning away is a bonus but it’s difficult.

“That element of pressure is always there, you just have to go about your business and we have players that are gelling.

“With all the changes [over the summer], I would have taken this position and what we have done so far. We can only be proud of what we have done and we are positive moving forward.”

They host the National League champions this evening with Chesterfield on the same number of points, although they are lamenting a failure to turn draws into wins.

Last weekend they conceded at the death for a third 2-2 on the spin when Notts County forward David McGoldrick scored the rebound of his saved penalty.

“Chesterfield are a strong club pushing for promotion. They have started very well and have a good squad and a well-drilled team,” said Jardim.

“They haven’t lost in five games and three 2-2 draws shows they are a consistent and competitive team.

“They always score but they always concede, so I expect a game with goals and for us to have the 12th man helping us. They know how important they have been.

“It’s a massive game and we have had a couple of these so far against strong teams.”