NEWPORT County AFC manager Terry Butcher says he is close to making his 11th new signing of the summer and he’s also begun to identify loan targets, writes Andrew Penman.

The Exiles boss is aiming to add a central defender and a central midfielder to his squad before the League Two campaign kicks off at Cambridge United on August 8.

And he will also look to further boost his small squad with the addition of players on loan next month.

“We’re looking at a central defender and a central midfielder and we’re reasonably close on one,” said Butcher.

“And we’ve got one or two irons in the fire on loans.

“It’s difficult because when managers loan players they want to see them play all the time so you’ve got to be very careful.

“And sometimes it’s hard when you’ve got such a good group of players here and you bring in loans.

“They play and the ones who are here and have worked their socks off don’t play.”

Butcher, who takes his side to Weston-super-Mare tomorrow night (kick-off 7.30pm), was delighted with his team’s performance in Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Queens Park Rangers.

Youngsters Regan Poole and Kieran Parselle impressed in a back three with Scott Barrow, while Nathan Ralph and Seth Nana Twumasi started at left and right wing-back respectively in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

“I don’t envisage playing that system this year but it’s always good to know that the players can play that,” said the manager.

“We’ve played 3-5-2, 3-4-2-1, 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 and it shows that whatever system we play they want to make it work.

“Systems don’t win games, of course, players do but the players have got a real good willingness to make it work.”

The former England captain also gave his thoughts on this weekend’s qualifying draw for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, which pitted the Three Lions against Scotland.

“I think it’s a great draw; it will certainly be fantastic for both countries,” said Butcher, who has played and managed in Scotland and worked as assistant to Craig Burley for the national team.

“England’s record against Scotland is pretty good recently.

“I’ve always enjoyed beating Scotland and I’ve always enjoyed watching England beat Scotland so hopefully that can continue.

“But Scotland under Gordon Strachan have done extremely well.

“They’re growing with every game and getting better and better so they should be two cracking matches.

“There are some other strong teams in there but I’d be very disappointed if England didn’t qualify and obviously Scotland will feel they have a chance as well.”