NEWPORT County AFC hope to have defender Ryan Jackson fit and available for tomorrow’s home clash with promotion rivals Bury.

The right-back or right wing-back has been a star performer for County this season.

Jackson was forced off with a hamstring strain during the first half of the 2-0 win at Accrington Stanley on March 27.

He missed the 2-2 home draw with Hartlepool United on Good Friday and the 2-0 defeat at Exeter City on Easter Monday.

But manager Jimmy Dack is hoping that the 24-year-old will be available for selection as the Exiles aim to maintain their top-seven position in League Two.

“Ryan Jackson has trained this week, he may be involved Saturday,” said Dack, who praised the work of physio Adam Roche.

“Robbie Willmott is improving, Saturday might be too soon, but next week we may see something of him. Adam Roche has done a great job,” he added.

County will be without Ismail Yakubu, who serves a one-game ban after his red card at Exeter.

If Jackson is fit it could mean 16-year-old Regan Poole, who started at right-back on Monday, moving into central defence to play alongside captain Darren Jones.