NEWPORT County could be without as many as five players for the visit of Welling United today after a flu-bug swept through the first-team squad this week.

Exiles boss Dean Holdsworth is sweating on the fitness of Nathan Davies, Justyn Roberts, Danny Rose and Craig Hughes, all of whom have been affected by the bug.

Ashley Vickers is also a doubt for personal reasons, although Holdsworth is hopeful that his captain will be available for what is a must-win game as County look to move away from the Blue Square South relegation zone.

The involvement of many clubs in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round means there are just five league fixtures this weekend and a win at Spytty Park this afternoon would definitely see County climb the table.

“It’s a good chance for us to improve our position,” said Holdsworth.

“I think we’ve been playing well these past few weeks but little mistakes have cost us and if we can cut them out we will get to where we think we deserve to be.”

While stopping short of endorsing Davies’ prediction in yesterday’s Argus that County can still make the play-offs, Holdsworth is confident that his team are on the up.

“Nathan saying that just shows the spirit in the side and you could see that in the celebrations after our equaliser at Weston-super-Mare on Monday night,” he said.

“Welling will be tough because they are a good side with dangerous players like James Baker who they’ve just signed from Eastleigh, and Charlie Sheringham,” he continued.

“I had many good battles against his dad Teddy, who was a real thinking-man’s player, and it will be interesting to see what traits Charlie has picked up.”

The Argus understands that Davies will not have recovered in time to play today but Rose, Roberts and Hughes are likely to play some part.

“They all missed training on Thursday but I think I will have to ask them to come off their sick-beds and do a job for us,” said Holdsworth.