NEWPORT County manager Dean Holdsworth has received a massive boost ahead of the trip to Staines Town tonight with centre-back Gary Warren finally returning to fitness.

Warren is ready to play after missing five games with a groin strain and, with captain Aaron Cook having departed for Eastleigh late last week, the 25-year-old is also expected to be confirmed as the new Exiles skipper.

Left-back Martyn Giles also returns from a three-match suspension, meaning either Warren, Paul Cochlin or Alton Thelwell will have to be content with a place on the bench.

"It’s fantastic to have Gary back," said Holdsworth.

"The fact that we didn’t play at the weekend helped in that respect because it allowed us a bit more time to make sure he’s right. He’s a big player for us without a doubt."

The Exiles boss declined to name his new captain ahead of kick-off but revealed he has not been short of players wanting the job.

"I had them in for training on Sunday morning and they looked lively. There were quite a few putting their hands up to be captain and that is encouraging," he added.

"We will need 16 captains at Staines because it will be a tough game.

"They will be on a high after beating Hayes & Yeading in the FA Cup and we will have to be at our best to keep our unbeaten run going.

"Following Leeds United’s defeat at Millwall on Saturday, County are now the only side with an unbeaten league record in the top seven divisions in English football."

It’s a fantastic achievement. Everyone at the club is very proud of it and long may it continue," he said.

But, despite leading the Blue Square South by two points with a game in hand, Holdsworth refuses to stand still and will look to bring in a replacement for Cook in the near future to add to the signings of Thelwell, Ashan Holgate and Swansea City duo Casey Thomas and Kerry Morgan on loan.

"We have a great squad with a fantastic team spirit," said Holdsworth.

"The new boys have settled in very well and we also have several out on loan so there is no rush to add anyone at the moment but we are looking.

"I would expect to maybe bring in one more player in the next few weeks."