THERE is hope that Newport County AFC supporters will get to see Lenell John-Lewis in action before the end of the season, according to caretaker manager Michael Flynn.

The striker, 27, has not featured at all this term after sustaining a serious knee injury during a friendly with Caldicot Town last July.

It has been a long road back for John-Lewis but Flynn says the centre-forward, known affectionately by fans as ‘The Shop’, can see “light at the end of the tunnel”.

Defender Jamie Turley revealed earlier this month that he was also hoping to help the Exiles’ bid to stay in League Two.

Turley underwent knee surgery in November and has been using an anti-gravity machine to speed up his rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, Ben Tozer, who in January was told by former boss Graham Westley he could leave Rodney Parade, is recovering from inflammation on the knee.

That has been the case for centre-back Darren Jones as well, although he is set to be available for selection tomorrrow when promotion-chasing Blackpool are the visitors to South Wales (kick-off 3pm).

Giving an update on those currently sidelined, Flynn said: “Lenell John-Lewis had a successful operation on Monday so he’s looking to be back before the end of the season.

“It has been a tough ride for him. He’s a great lad and a great pro, and I’m glad that he can see light at the end of the tunnel.

“Jamie Turley has improved quite a lot in the last couple of weeks. He’s still a while away but hoping to be back before the end of the season.

“Hopefully we’re still fighting and still in a position where we’re going to need every squad member to the end of the season.

“When they’ve been out that long it’s going to take them time to get up to speed so I’m not putting any pressure on them.

“It’s positive news for the players and hopefully that lifts the boys around them.

“We try to create a team spirit here where we’re all together, we’re all in it, and the injured boys are just as important.

“If they’re on the training ground and sulking around that can rub off on the others, but they haven’t been and that’s something I’ve been impressed with.”

On Tozer, who had a scan on Thursday, he added: “If he’s struggling with injury it’s going to be tough for him to get back up to speed in the next week or so.

“We’ll just play it by ear with Ben and hopefully I’ll see him next week and we’ll have a good chat.”