NEWPORT County have been boosted by the news that all of their injured players are closing in on a return to action, writes Michael Pearlman.

Goalkeeper Jamie Stephens, midfielder Max Porter and striker Danny Crow are all currently sidelined and are yet to play this term, but boss Justin Edinburgh has given a positive diagnosis on all three.

Goalkeeper Stephens is ahead of schedule and could be back in contention in around a month, but the Exiles have this week welcomed both Crow and Porter back into training.

Crow has been working individually with physio Adam Roche and Porter, while still training alone, has stepped up his rehabilitation and has been able to run without ill-effects.

Porter is recovering from a groin injury that has blighted his career for the past couple of seasons.

“Max is running again and Crowy has upped his training and Jamie Stephens the same, he’s ahead of schedule so hopefully it won’t be too long until they are all available for selection,” Edinburgh confirmed.

The former Tottenham defender is expecting a tough test from high-flying Burton Albion on Saturday.

“They’ve been in the league seven or eight years and battled to stay in it for five and have been at the top end the last two years,” he said.

“They are a progressive club with continuity and they know how to win football matches and will be full of confidence.

“We didn’t have the start we wanted against Wycombe, it wasn’t good enough for a first league game at home and we are a match for anyone at Rodney Parade and I want to see that against Burton.

“Our form against the top seven last season was as good as anyone’s and we have to remember that.”

Edinburgh has no new injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s clash but form will be an issue with his selection.

Ryan Jackson seems likely to be recalled to the starting line-up and midfielder Yan Klukowski may also be in contention to play from the start for the first time in the Football League.

Midfielder Mike Flynn has a slight hamstring strain and his selection was dependent on him being able to train on Friday.