Edinburgh hails 'deadly' O'Connor (From South Wales Argus)

Edinburgh hails 'deadly' O'Connor

8:00am Friday 7th September 2012 in Sport By Michael Pearlman

COUNTY V STOCKPORT (Tomorrow, KO 3pm)

NEWPORT County boss Justin Edinburgh faces a huge selection dilemma in the coming weeks, but he’s confident at least that one member of his side has nailed down a place.

Edinburgh is remaining upbeat ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Stockport despite the Exiles losing twice in four days this week and slipping to third in the Conference National after a sensational start.

He’s especially delighted with the form of August player of the month Aaron O’Connor, whose goal at Dartford on Tuesday means he’s now bagged seven goals in seven games.

“To have that, a player scoring goals prolifically, it gives everyone a big lift,” he said.

“Aaron has been magnificent since he signed and really it’s only now he’s fully match fit.

“Dartford had ten men behind the ball on Tuesday and that’s the sort of tactic we’ll have to become used to.

“But we’ve got one of the most dangerous attackers in the division, that’s for sure.”

And while County’s front three of O’Connor, Jefferson Louis and Danny Crow currently pick themselves, Edinburgh is close to a major headache in goal.

“It’s a good headache to have, but Alan Julian (summer signing to be number one goalkeeper from Stevenage, only to be injured in pre-season) is nearly fit now,” he explained.

“He’s resumed light training and he’s not too far away.

“But we’ve got to hand it to Lenny Pidgeley who has just got better and better and better this season.

“He’s currently deserving of his place and that’s a nice problem for me as I have the time to bring Alan back properly and don’t need to rush him.”

The Exiles have a fully fit squad to choose from other than Julian.

Crow, still in search of his first goal, has shrugged off a knee problem and winger Ben Swallow is also now in contention after making his debut midweek.

Visitors Stockport have boosted their squad ahead of their visit to Rodney Parade after a stuttering start to the season.

The visitors have snapped up goalkeeper Lewis King and are closing in on a move for midfielder Alex Meaney.

l See a full interview with Edinburgh and a big match preview, only in tomorrow’s Argus Sport