Newport County manager Tim Harris has beefed up the Exiles' firepower as Justin Richards moves across the River Severn from Bristol Rovers on a loan deal, writes Ryland James.

Harris has moved quickly to sign up cover for long-term injury victim Garry Shephard, County's top scorer last term, who is out for the rest of the season after he dislocated his shoulder during Saturday's draw with Newport IOW. Shephard was seen by a surgeon earlier this week who predicted that he could be out for up to five months.

The loss of Shephard is a huge blow to County's forward line, who have struggled this season, and Richards can expect to go into the County side for tomorrow's match at Hednesford Town (3pm).

Richards signed on loan for the club last night and is set to face Hednesford Town in tomorrow's Dr Martens Premier League clash at Keys Park, which is currently threatened due to the recent heavy rain in Staffordshire.

The pacey forward is highly rated by Bristol Rovers boss Garry Thompson and he joins the Welshmen on a month's loan, which could be extended to three months.

The 21-year-old was signed by Rovers from West Bromwich Albion for £150,000 last January, but has struggled for first-team appearances at the Third Division club, making just seven in the league last season.

Harris said: "Richards' is highly rated at Rovers and his arrival should buy us some more time to find a replacement for Garry.

"He's got a good pedigree and it was Garry Thompson who suggested him." County have been relatively injury free of late with only Stuart James and Shephard on the long-term injury list. Skipper and right-back Darren Robison is expected to return to action soon after a knee ligament problem.

County's away game against Cambridge City has been rearranged for Tuesday March 19.

Newport County (from) : P Mountain, A Thomas, S Benton, J Eckhardt (c), B Clark, S Cowe, J Perry, M Rose, N Davies, A Carter, D Ryan, M Paul, J Richards, L Sommers, S Walker.