RUTHLESS Newport County boss Justin Edinburgh has confirmed he will axe goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley from his starting XI to face Portsmouth.

The popular former Chelsea goalkeeper hasn’t enjoyed the best of form so far this term with Newport picking up only a point from their first four league games.

Edinburgh has moved to sign Peterborough goalkeeper Joe Day on an initial one month loan deal from London Road and has confirmed the 24-year old WILL start at Fratton Park.

That means Pidgeley follows Mike Flynn, Ismail Yakubu and skipper Andy Sandell in paying the price for poor early season form.

“We’ve had a few difficulties in goal this season, I spoke with Barry Fry (Posh technical director) and he told me he was looking to get Joe some game time, and I’ve worked with him before at Rushden,” he said.

“We haven’t been as competitive in terms of competition for places as we have been on the rest of the pitch and we’ve decided to bring Joe in to strengthen competition.

“He will play at Portsmouth without a doubt, Lenny hasn’t produced his best form as yet and competition will increase Lenny’s training and competition for his place.

“Lenny’s job now is to force his way into the team, but Joe will have to play well to stay in the team.

“I gave Joe his first team debut at Rushden long before Peterborough came knocking for him and this is a great opportunity for him here.”

Day, 24, is hoping to impress enough to remain at Rodney Parade longer term.

“A goalkeeper needs games and I’ve not really had that chance yet at Peterborough, so it was a real no-brainer to come here and work with a gaffer I’ve played for before.

“It’s got to be a good move to get Football League games, I knew the set-up would be good here and it is, I’ve been very impressed with what I have seen.

“The spirit in the camp is still positive and I’d like to make my mark and make an impression, I know I have to play well.

“I need to prove the gaffer was right to bring me here. I want to play games so after the month, if I’m still involved I’d be happy to stay.”

County now have four goalkeepers on their books, though only for a couple more days as Canadian goalkeeper Simon Thomas will leave on September 1 when his latest month-to-month deal expires.

Second choice goalkeeper Jamie Stephens is still battling back from long-term injury.