NEWPORT County AFC boss Nelson Jardim is welcoming some selection headaches for a key block of League Two fixtures after holding back fit-again Shane McLoughlin.

The Exiles return to action on Saturday when they travel to Tranmere to start an important run of games as they bid to stay well clear of the strugglers at the bottom.

County have an EFL Trophy trip to Reading a week on Tuesday – when qualification for the knockout stages is on the line – but the rest of November and December is a crucial spell where a good points haul will ensure they aren’t looking over their shoulder.

They are currently 14th in the table and the head coach has an almost fully fit squad to pick from after opting against risking influential midfielders Bryn Morris and Aaron Wildig for Saturday’s FA Cup defeat to League One Peterborough.

The Exiles started fast to lead 2-0 against the Posh only for the visitors, play-off semi-finalists for the past two seasons, to show their class when winning 4-2 thanks to a pair of very late strikes.

LIMITED: Bobby Kamwa could only be a County sub after illnessLIMITED: Bobby Kamwa could only be a County sub after illness (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency)

“We were without three or four players who are massive for us and we still competed. We were disappointed not to win but proud of the performance,” said Jardim, who was only able to name Bobby Kamwa as a substitute because of illness.

McLoughlin was in a matchday squad for the first time since the influential Irishman suffered a knee injury in the opening minutes of the 4-1 loss to Port Vale on September 7.

The full-back/midfielder didn’t come on against Peterborough because of the potential for extra time and is likely to be on the bench against in Birkenhead as he works towards full fitness.

“Having Shane back on the bench is like having a new signing for us,” said Jardim, who is only without loanee midfielder Noah Mawene and young striker Hamzad Kargbo.

“We had a report from the medics that he could only play a maximum of 20 minutes, so we were not going to risk losing him for the next chunk of games that will come thick and fast.

“We still have other goals that we have to chase and Shane will be part of that. We have shown that we have a balanced squad ready to go.

“I would rather have these options and the boys know that there is always a thought process and plan behind our selections. The team always comes first and the boys have been brilliant.”

County face a Tranmere side who have had a tough start to the campaign to sit 19th and on Saturday they were knocked out of the FA Cup by National League Oldham 2-1 at Prenton Park.

The visitors boast former Exiles favourite Cameron Norman in their ranks after his summer move from MK Dons, with the right-back having played in 17 of 18 fixtures in all competitions.