NEWPORT County AFC goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley believes he is through the worst of the pain as he continues to play on with a broken thumb, writes Andrew Penman.

The Exiles number one suffered the injury in the 1-0 defeat at promotion rivals Burton Albion on December 29.

And with reserve ‘keeper Jamie Stephens then sidelined with a hamstring injury Pidgeley had no choice but to play through the pain.

Stephens is fit now but Pidgeley is determined to continue to play his part as Justin Edinburgh’s men look to get back to winning ways at Southend United tonight.

“After the Burton game, which was nearly five weeks ago now, the specialist said it should take six weeks for the thumb to heal,” said the former Chelsea stopper.

“I’ve been able to play through that but it’s not been ideal and it’s been painful.

“I’ve had to really limit what I can do in training. For the first three weeks I just did enough to keep myself fit but being chucked into a game with a broken thumb is difficult.

“I’ve done my best to get through it and it’s easier on match days with the adrenaline.

“Hopefully I’m through the worst of it now. I’m still in some discomfort but I’m managing so I’m pleased about that.”

As well as a broken thumb, Pidgeley had to deal with some severe weather conditions in the defeat at Bristol Rovers last week.

And he found himself becoming something of a Youtube star as a video of his goal kick being blown out for a corner did the rounds online.

“The first half was unreal,” he said. “The wind was making it hard for everyone. It was hard for them to deliver corners and for me to come out for them.

“And it was virtually impossible for me to kick the ball – one of them went out for a corner and I’ve never seen that before.

“Hopefully I won’t have to deal with conditions like that again this season!”