MARK Randall says he and the rest of the senior Newport County AFC players must rally round to help youngster Jordan Green get over last week’s disappointment, writes Andrew Penman.

Green, on loan from AFC Bournemouth, was substituted after just 19 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Crewe Alexandra last Saturday – just moments after he’d lost possession in the lead up to the visitors’ goal.

Manager Warren Feeney said Green was struggling with an ankle injury but the 21-year-old looked distraught as he trudged to the dressing room.

“I think you’ve got to learn quick in this league,” said Randall. “I don’t know if he’s played many first team games.

“As a group we’ve got to get his head up now. He’s got a lot of ability and we’ve got to get it out of him.”

Green is unlikely to feature at Hartlepool this Saturday but striker Jon Parkin could be in line to make his first start.

Fellow front man Sean Rigg is a big fan of the big man.

“He’s a big presence and I think that definitely helps,” he said.

“I was obviously at Wimbledon last year and I was playing up front with [Adebayo] Akinfenwa and they are difficult to play against.

“They’re obviously both target men and hold the ball up well,” he added of the two men who share the nickname The Beast.

“I think you definitely need that in this league because you get some big centre-halves.

“It’s a good quality to have in your team. He’s maybe lacking a little bit of fitness but he’s been out obviously with his ban and I think a few games and he’ll be flying.

“He showed great quality and did really well when he came on.”

Randall too believes Parkin adds something to the team.

“When Parky comes on he does really well for the team,” he said. “He helps us out and he’s a good out-ball.

“If we need a goal late on he’s a good man to hit – he wins a lot of headers.

“But Riggy and Jacko [Marlon Jackson] have been outstanding as well.

“Maybe we haven’t given them as many opportunities as they would like from midfield, especially me, but they work hard for the team.”