"OUR defence won't take any prisoners" - is the message from Newport County's Garry Shephard as he faces up to Shrewsbury Town tonight (7.45pm).

The 25-year-old striker is hoping to forge a partnership with new County striker Martin Paul (pictured) and the pair linked well together in Monday night's 2-1 win over Swansea, but Shephard said he is impressed with the confidence in defence.

With Billy Clark, Jeff Eckhardt and Jason Perry all due to make appearances in tonight's friendly, last season's top scorer said: "The boys in defence last season did well, but I don't think our defence will take any prisoners this year.

"Last season, Carl and I used to say it would be good if our defence were dishing out the same treatment we were getting up front as the opposition kicked lumps out of us. "It's early days yet, but the confidence seems to be growing from behind."

But with veteran striker Carl Dale possibly waiting in the wings, Shephard knows the County attack have to stay on their toes to keep their places and is backing Dale to return to Amber colours.

He said: "It was good playing alongside someone like Martin up front, he has lots of experience and it really helps.

"I think him, Raith (Plant) and I all need to keep on our toes, because I think Carl will come back.

"With someone like Carl on the scene, you feel the pressure to play well." Weighing in more than a stone lighter than when County finished the season in May after a punishing summer training regime, Shephard says he is looking forward to getting stuck into Kevin Ratcliffe's Shrewsbury Town.

The Midlanders beat Merthyr Tydfil 3-1 at Penydarren Park on Saturday, with former Nottingham Forest's Nigel Jemson slotting home a penalty, County's defence will be keeping a tight reign on him.

With Eckhardt due to make his County debut tonight, manager Tim Harris wants to see an improvement on Monday's crowd of barely 500, with County fans hoping they can claim a second league scalp this week.

Again, Harris was talking down the importance of the result against the performance, but a second win would give his side a psychological boost ahead of the new season. Winger Stuart James is doubtful with a rib injury and will be given a late fitness test.

Newport County squad: P Mountain, J Perry, J Eckhardt, B Clark, D Robison, S Benton, G Kemp, M Rose, J Donovan, R Dorrian, D Ryan, M Paul, S Griffin, L Hall, G Shephard, R Edwards, R Plant, M Taylor.

Shrewsbury Town squad: I Dunbavin, I Jenkins, G Rioch, J Tolley, M Redmile, A Tretton, K Murray, M Atkins, L Rogers, N Jemson, S Aiston, P Wilding, L Drysdale, K Seabury, S Jagielka, R Lowe, J Walker, C Freestone, M Cartwright. l Wilcox not unhappy with Cwmbran victory - page 36