LOAN star Shawn McCoulsky has received the support of his Newport County AFC teammates as he deals with a heart condition.

The 21-year-old, who has scored 11 goals in 35 appearances for County, has returned to his parent club Bristol City for treatment after complaining of chest pains and being diagnosed with pericarditis.

And fellow striker Padraig Amond, who scored his 12th of the season last Saturday to overtake McCoulsky as the Exiles’ outright top scorer, says the players are all thinking of their teammate.

“It’s a little bit difficult for him at the minute,” said Amond.

“We’ve all been in touch with him but we don’t really know the ins and outs.

“I think Bristol are just making sure that everything’s OK and, to be fair, it’s not something you mess around with when it’s someone’s heart.

“It’s disappointing for Shawn and for the club and for us to not have him around the place because he’s a bubbly character.

“Hopefully he gets the all-clear and he’s back very soon.”

McCoulsky has been told to rest and County boss Michael Flynn said last week that he did not know when the striker would be fit to play again.

It’s possible that he has played his last game in an amber shirt.

Flynn visited McCoulsky at Bristol City’s training ground on Tuesday and is expected to give an update on the player’s health at tomorrow’s pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Barnet.

South Wales Argus:

Having scored the memorable winner in County’s FA Cup third-round victory over Leeds United (above), McCoulsky could be in contention for a prize at the club’s annual awards night.

This special event will be held in the 'We Fight Any Claim' marquee at Rodney Parade on Saturday, April 28, following the final home game of the season against Cambridge United.

Nearly 500 supporters voted for the player of the year at the Swindon Town game last week.

Each of the 14 current players who have made 30 or more appearances this season had their supporters but the main award was a close run thing between two defenders and a midfield player.

The players' player of the year award was also among those three.

There are 150 tickets available for the presentation evening at a cost of £2, with all money going to the County in the Community charity.

They can be purchased from the ticket office or online from 10am today.

Doors will open at 5pm with music from Newport City Radio. The presentation will begin at 6pm.

After the awards, fans can enjoy live music and meet the players and management staff. The bar will be open until 7.30pm.

Former County manager Peter Beadle and ex-player Jennison Myrie-Williams are also celebrating this week after clinching promotion with Hereford FC.

The Bulls have moved to within two divisions of the Football League by securing a third successive promotion.

The club, formed following the demise of Hereford United in December 2014, will play in English football's sixth tier next season after clinching the Southern Premier League title.

“It's a proud day,” Beadle told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

“We have had one of the most outstanding seasons that this club could ever have had, or will have in the future.”