STRIKER Paul Hayes will have to wait for his Newport County AFC debut as the club are still waiting for his move to Rodney Parade to be rubber-stamped.

County manager Michael Flynn had indicated last week that the veteran front man could feature in Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy tie at home to Cheltenham Town (7.30pm).

But, after yesterday’s FA Cup first round win over League One Walsall, the Exiles boss revealed that the club has not received the International Transfer Certificate for Hayes.

“There’s been a problem with the ITC, so I’ve been told,” said Flynn.

“I’m waiting to find how long it’s going to take.

“We only found out late on Friday that there was a hold-up on it.

“But I really don’t know the full story but I’m sure the club will put something out [a statement] on Monday.”

Flynn is likely to make several changes for Tuesday’s match as he prioritises Friday’s League Two clash at home to Port Vale.

South Wales Argus:

Frank Nouble (above) is likely to be rested after he scored the opening goal in the 2-1 win over Walsall – his first since August 26.

But top scorer Shawn McCoulsky could keep his starting spot after he netted the second goal against the Saddlers to take his tally to eight.

“I thought he started slowly, if I’m honest, but he’s got pace to burn,” said Flynn of the 20-year-old striker.

“I need him to get hold of the ball a bit more. That’s what he’s got to learn.

“But I thought he grew into the game and he took his goal excellently. It was a really mature finish (below).

South Wales Argus:

“I was buzzing for him and obviously for Frank breaking his drought.

“I don’t think Frank ever suffers with confidence, to be honest,” he added.

“He’s a very confident person, he’s a handful and we saw that.

“He was running rings around League One players and that shows the potential he’s got.

“If he does add more goals we’ll struggle to keep hold of him, so I’m glad he went through a drought!”

Defender Mark O’Brien is also likely to sit out the Trophy tie after he was withdrawn on 69 minutes on Saturday as he continues to suffer with a foot problem.

“He’s OK,” said the manager. “It’s one of these injuries that we’ve got to manage.

“He’s got to stay off his feet. It’s not ideal but he showed how important he is to us.

“I didn’t want to risk him anymore – I didn’t want it to go completely. We’ve got to be careful with it.”

County banked £18,000 for their first round victory and £15,000 from S4C for live TV coverage, making up for a lower-than-expected crowd of 2,701.

“The fans were outstanding,” said Flynn. “They were making loads of noise. They deserved to go home happy and they did.”

The second-round draw takes place at 7pm tomorrow.