NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn has confirmed that striker Marlon Jackson and midfielder Ben Tozer will both miss the start of the League Two season due to injury.

Jackson suffered a hamstring strain during the second half of Saturday’s friendly win against Gloucester City at Evesham.

He’s likely to miss at least the first week of the season, meaning he’ll sit out league trips to Stevenage on August 5 and Crewe Alexandra on August 12 as well as the Carabao Cup tie at Southend United on August 8.

“Marlon is going to be out for two or three weeks,” said Flynn.

“It’s unfortunate because he’s caught the eye in pre-season and he’s been impressing in training.

“I know he gets a bit of stick his attitude is first class. He got booed last season but he just got on with it and didn’t let it affect him.

“He’s somebody who I’ve got a lot of admiration for him.”

Tozer has not featured in pre-season as he recovers from a knee operation.

“Ben Tozer is getting closer, which is good, and he’ll be like a new signing when he’s back,” added the Exiles boss.

“I don’t think he’ll be ready for the first game of the season or for Southend but he’s getting there.”