NEWPORT County are cautiously optimistic that striker Aaron O’Connor can still play a big part for them this season... with the player himself revealing he expects to miss just three to four weeks.

The Conference top scorer left the field on a stretcher in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at home to Barrow and underwent a scan yesterday on a thigh injury.

The player is still in discomfort and feeling sore but the Exiles believe they are looking at a tear of the thigh, putting his estimated recovery time at a maximum of eight weeks.

“We’re hoping it’s not as bad as we first feared,” boss Justin Edinburgh told the Argus. “We’ll know for sure today.”

However, while the club as of last night had issued no official word on the injury, O'Connor did take to Twitter to give his own update on the situation.

"Thanks for all the messages of concern," he wrote. "Results have shown two muscle tears of a low grade which is good. Hopefully back in a few weeks."

Manager Edinburgh also revealed that pivotal midfielder Max Porter will have a fitness test ahead of tonight’s clash.

“With Max you have a player who the fans view totally differently this season, he’s absolutely vital for us,” he said.

“He’s been a little more active than he was last week and we hope we can use him.”

The Exiles boss also looks set to recall Ismail Yakubu at the expense of Andrew Hughes as the Exiles look to put the Barrow game behind them.

“It’s been a tough weekend, we were bitterly disappointed with the performance and expect a better display today,” he said.

“We owe our fans that, as Jimmy Dack has said.”

  • Woking had “the utmost confidence” today’s clash with Newport would beat the weather.

Around 20 volunteers, including first team manager Gary Hill, spent yesterday clearing the terraces and other areas surrounding the ground of snow with another effort set for today.

The club have invited supporters to turn up from 9.30am in a bid to get the game on with snow being cleared from the playing surface today.

“We are confident, our fans have produced an amazing effort,” a Woking spokesman told the Argus yesterday.

“We have the utmost confidence the game will go ahead.”