GOALKEEPER Joe Day serves the third and final match of his suspension as Newport County AFC take on Morecambe today and manager Warren Feeney has suggested he could face a battle to regain his place next week.

Day was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Blackburn Rovers striker Craig Conway in the final seconds of the FA Cup third round tie on January 18.

Mitchell Beeney will again deputise at the Globe Arena this afternoon and the Chelsea loan star has impressed in his three appearances so far.

So much so that Feeney says the 20-year-old will provide stern competition for a starting spot when Day is available for next week’s home clash with Barnet.

“This is Joe’s last game [of his three-match ban]. He’s trained well and he wants to get back,” said the Exiles boss.

“He’s itching to get back but Mitchell’s in there and he’s done very well.

“I said I want competition for places all over the squad because I think you need it.”

Midfielder Medy Elito was a another casualty of the cup clash as he sustained a nasty cut to his leg in a challenge that saw Rovers’ Chris Brown sent off.

Elito received 15 stitches in the wound but returned to start against Leyton Orient on Tuesday night.

Feeney is glad to have him back in the fold and combining well with captain Mark Byrne in midfield.

“I think he was a little bit tentative when he went in for a tackle but he’s come through it – psychologically it was a good test for him,” said the manager.

“Medy’s a good footballer and he’s got that little bit of ability where he can move it with both feet.

“I was pleased to have him back. I think he’s going to be a big part of what we’re going to do this season.

“Wee Byrnie is flying at the minute, getting on the ball, and he’s got a great engine,” he added.

“I think they complement each other very well.”

County will be without defender Janoi Donacien today due to a hamstring injury but Matt Partridge is close to a return.

“It looks as if Janoi could be out for a little while but Matt’s doing alright,” said Feeney.

“He’s back jogging and he’s trained so hopefully we’ll get him back up to speed and he’ll give us more competition for places.”