11:10am Tuesday 30th September 2008
By Michael Pearlman
NEWPORT County boss Dean Holdsworth has swooped to sign Portuguese striker Rui Branguina.
The 24-year old former Sporting Braga man received international clearance last night and is expected to join his new teammates for training tonight.
However, the first Portuguese player in County’s history won’t be eligible to play in their FA Cup second qualifying round replay with Dorchester tomorrow night, (kick-off 7.45pm).
His debut is likely to come against Bromley on Saturday after he agreed a short-term deal with the Exiles.
Described as a striker/offensive midfielder comfortable on either flank, Branguina was a former youth team star at Sporting Braga, where he spent 10 years, having joined the academy aged just nine.
He then switched to G.D Joane, also in Portugal, scoring 15 goals in 21 appearances in his first season, before earning a move to Oliviera do Bairro, scoring 21 times in 27 appearances in his first season and 19 in 28 in his second.
He had a trial with Exeter last summer and spent a period with Yeovil, who came close to signing him.
Manager Holdsworth explained: “This was a CV that caught the eye and after doing some digging we are very impressed with him and have been very keen to make this deal happen.
“We hope he brings something a bit different to our attacking play and can make a big impact for us.
“He won’t be involved tomorrow but should be in the squad for Saturday and in training this week.”
The Exiles meet Dorchester for the fourth time in just over a month tomorrow, the previous three encounters with the Magpies yielding 21 goals.
Saturday’s 2-2 draw was significant for the Exiles as they overturned a 2-0 deficit, but Holdsworth is aware the hard work is yet to be done.
Aylesbury Vale or Gosport Borough at home is the enticing tie for the winners, but Holdsworth is taking nothing for granted.
"As far as I am concerned, it’ll be harder to win at home, because the pressure is all on us," he said.
"We haven’t done the hard work, that is to come and it is imperative we match the performance from the second half on Saturday.
"If we maintain that standard the fans will have no complaints with us, we need the fans backing and hopefully it’ll be a great night for everyone tomorrow."
The Exiles are sweating on the fitness of Martyn Giles who suffered a slight strain on Saturday, but he’s expected to be fit with Steve Jenkins standing-by. Nathan Davies has recovered from a neck strain.
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