NEWPORT County boss Justin Edinburgh was pleased with his side after their encouraging 1-0 win over Coventry City, but admits he faces selection dilemmas all over the field ahead of the new campaign, writes Michael Pearlman.

County secured a second successive 1-0 win at Spytty Park after enjoying the same success against Carl Zeiss Jena and now only face a game against West Ham’s development side before the big kick-off on August 9.

And Edinburgh expects some very tough calls in terms of picking between different personnel.

“It was a very tough game against very good opposition, but the manner in which we played and the way we pressed Coventry was very, very pleasing,” he said.

“We used the ball well against Coventry and retained it as well as we have done for a long time.

“We are playing very well at the moment, we are playing good football, which we always will when the pitch is suitable and we are defending well, looking organised.

“There are many players giving me a selection headache, I’ll have a few hours in the car this week driving backwards and forwards on the M4 and I don’t doubt selection thoughts will be on my mind, I’ve got tough decisions to make.”

Edinburgh couldn’t help but smile when comparing this pre-season to the last one.

“The lack of injuries is massive for us, we spoke about it this time last year, we didn’t have enough players to make up a full compliment of substitutes, but this year we will have to leave certain players out of the match day squad altogether,” he said.

“That’s what I want, I want tough decisions and this group are pushing themselves really hard to make sure they are one of the 11 to get the start.”

One player clearly has caught Edinburgh’s eye and looks set to start against Wycombe, barring injuries.

“Mark Byrne has been a revelation since he came here, he’s going to become a firm fan favourite, he’s all-action and he’s committed and I am sure he’ll get some goals as well,” he said.

“We are a big team as well now (in terms of stature), we’ve got a few small ones but we are a big side and that’ll allow us to mix the game up and be flexible as well.”