NEWPORT County AFC manager Justin Edinburgh insists Mark Cooper remains part of his plans, despite his one-month loan move to Frome Town.

“Mark’s gone out on loan just to get out and get some minutes on the pitch to develop his game,” said Edinburgh.

“We’ve circulated Kris Fielden’s name (for loan) as well because he needs games too.

“We’ve only got a small squad and other than them everyone else needs to be here and ready to play.

“Mark completed pre-season and he just needs time on the pitch to continue his progress and education.”

The full-back completed his loan move to Frome Town last week and made his first appearance in Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Taunton Town in the FA Trophy.

Cooper played for the Robins last season after his release from Bristol Rovers but earned a move to County in the summer.

  • County youngsters Andrew Hughes and Lee Evans have been named in the Wales Under-23 squad to face Turkey next month.

Manager Terry Boyle has called up the Exiles stars for the final game in the International Challenge Trophy at the GenQuip Stadium on Tuesday, October 16.

Former County player Curtis McDonald, now with Brackley, is also in the squad.

  • The funeral of former County goalkeeper, and club appearance record holder, Len Weare will be held on Thursday, October 18, at 11.45am at Lliswerry Baptist Church and then at Gwent Crematorium at 1pm. This will be followed by refreshments at Llanwern Golf Club at 2pm.

The family say they will be very pleased to see supporters in attendance.

  • Following representations from police, the kick-off time for County’s away fixture at Hereford United on Saturday, December 29, has been brought forward from 3pm to 12.30pm.