MANSFIELD V COUNTY (Today KO 7.15pm)

NEWPORT County defender Paul Bignot is hoping to cap a dream week by gaining revenge at Mansfield tonight.

The right-back made his debut for the England C team on Wednesday night in their International Challenge Trophy semi-final with Belgium at Luton’s Kenilworth Road ground.

Bignot played the last 30 minutes of England’s 1-0 win after replacing AFC Wimbledon’s Sam Hatton and now he’s focusing on settling a score at Field Mill following last month’s 4-2 defeat in the FA Trophy.

“Getting my first cap was a fantastic experience and it’s something I’ll treasure,” said Bignot, who became the third County player to be capped this season following Danny Rose and the departed Charlie Henry.

“The manager and chairman came to watch me play, as did all my family and friends. It was a great night and I’ll be getting my cap and shirt framed.

“Now I’m just hoping I can end a good week with a win at Mansfield,” added the player, who celebrates his 25th birthday on Monday.

“We owe them one after the defeat last month and we’re gunning for revenge.

“We’ve trained really hard since the last game and we know we can turn things round, starting at Field Mill.”

Exiles boss Tim Harris paid tribute to Bignot, who previous manager Dean Holdsworth signed from Kidderminster Harriers in February 2009.

“Paul did really well and we’re delighted for him,” said Harris. “It’s a great honour for him and for the club as well.

“He’s probably been one of our most consistent performers over the last 18 months and this is just reward for that.

“He’s buzzing and hopefully he can take that into this weekend.”

Captain Gary Warren serves the fourth and final match of his suspension for a red card at Tamworth last month and player/coach Wayne Hatswell is likely to continue to deputise in central defence alongside Chris Todd.

Left-back Andrew Hughes has joined midfielder Scott Rogers on loan at Weymouth, while Graeme Montgomery is likely to miss out with an ankle knock.

That leaves Kerry Morgan, Darryl Knights, Tom Miller, Jamie Collins, Eddie Odhiambo, Danny Rose, Mike Fowler and Sam Foley to compete for a maximum of five spots in midfield.

And new signings Charlie Griffin and Yemi Odubade will battle it out with Robbie Matthews to start up front following top scorer Craig Reid’s big money move to League Two Stevenage.

Ex-Rangers forward Steven Lennon, who signed late on Thursday night, may also be involved if he receives international clearance in time.