NEWPORT County boss Peter Beadle is likely to leave prolific striker Craig Hughes out of his side to face Yeading tomorrow at Spytty Park (kick-off 1.30pm).

Hughes, with 13 goals to his name already this season, is one of the hottest strikers in the Conference South, but has only now returned to full-fitness after suffering a damaged rib in the 1-0 reverse to Braintree three weeks ago.

In his absence young striker Matt Green has been in great form, scoring his first goal of the season in the FA Trophy win at Didcot and following it up with a super strike in last Saturday's superb 3-2 victory at second-placed Welling United.

County's supporters would consider Hughes to be one of the first names on the teamsheet. But Beadle has been impressed by Green's partnership with Julian Alsop and isn't looking to break them up just yet.

He said: "It is good to have tough choices, but I think Craig might have to be patient this time.

"At the start of the season I was certain Hughes and Alsop was my best pairing, but Matt has been superb since Craig got injured and has really grabbed his chance.

"He has been so professional. He's not played much but he's been patient and this run in the team has been a reward for his hard work and dedication.

"Matt is desperate to be a full-time professional player. If he keeps scoring, he will keep playing."

Beadle believes the win at Welling may be the springboard that propels County back into the Conference South promotion hunt.

They currently lie ninth but have up to three games in hand on the sides above them.

"We showed character at Welling. Last season if we conceded two goals in six minutes and gave away a 2-0 lead, we'd have definitely lost the game," he said.

"In fact, I think 90% of teams in the Conference South would've lost at 2-2 and we showed real resilience to comeback.

"No one is talking about Newport County, but we are nicely placed and hopefully can really kick on from Welling.

"I mentioned to Scott Young on the long journey back from Kent that I have a feeling it will be a season- defining result.

"We have three home games over Christmas and if we win all of them, we'll be right on the heels of the leaders and will still have three games in hand."

Winger Jason Bowen, midfielders Lee Collier and Lee Jenkins and striker Hughes have all shaken off illness and injury and are fully fit for tomorrow's game.

The only players not in contention for County are long-term absentees Damon Searle and Tony Pennock and midfielder Darren Garner, who may miss another two weeks with a broken toe.

County from: Ovendale, Giles, Edwards, Hillier, Brough, Cochlin, S Jenkins, L Jenkins, Davies, Collier, Bowen, O'Sullivan, Evans, Green, Alsop, Hughes