NEWPORT County’s star striker Aaron O’Connor is finally inching his way towards a first team return, reveals Michael Pearlman.

The 30-year old former Luton striker has yet to kick a ball for the Exiles this season following continual problems with his groins.

O’Connor fired 20 goals for County to help them to promotion last season – including in the play-off final at Wembley against Wrexham – but he’s been absent throughout the campaign.

However, the Argus can reveal that O’Connor took part in a vigorous warm-up at Morecambe on Tuesday having travelled with the team and also was part of the squad who went to Mansfield last weekend.

And after a solid 13 months where he’s barely been able to play, County are finally cautiously optimistic on their talented forward.

“We are being very, very careful with Azza, because we’d hate to see him break down again,” County boss Justin Edinburgh explained.

“But Azza is travelling with the squad now and you’ve seen yourself that he’s joining in with the warm-ups and is just inching his way back.

“Hopefully he will return in the coming days and will be available for selection, because I think that would give everyone a massive lift.

“And he would offer a big goal threat, which we could do with at the moment.”