IT WILL be a case of friends reunited at Rodney Parade tonight as Newport County AFC manager and Swindon Town boss Mark Cooper relive their youth at Southend United, writes Andrew Penman.

The pair face each other in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tonight and Cooper revealed that they have shared some friendly banter in the build-up.

“I know him really well,” said Robins boss Cooper. “When I was a young boy I went on loan to Southend and he was starting his career there.

“We got on quite well and we’ve always kept in touch, he’s been texting me over the weekend and he’s a great, great guy and he’s done a really good job at Newport.

“They will fancy their chances, especially at home,” he added.

“It’s a difficult place to go; they’re a big powerful team that take no prisoners.

“They’ve done an unbelievable job to get where they are, from where they were a few years ago to competing in League Two.

“They’ve got some decent players, we won’t be underestimating them at all and they’ll fancy their chances at home – rightly so.

“They’re very powerful, very big, very well organised. They won’t mess about they’ll get the ball in the box and try and cause problems.”

Exiles goalkeeper Joe Day is eligible to play tonight but he is expected to make way for Lenny Pidgeley despite another stellar display in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Shrewsbury Town.

“I want to play in every game and I believe I am eligible to play in the JPT but it’s up to the gaffer and we’ll see what he decides,” said the Peterborough United stopper, who is close to extending his loan at County.

“I’m very happy with three clean sheets in five and I’m enjoying playing games with Newport.

“Hopefully it can be extended and if it can then that’s great.

“I’ve been at Peterborough a long time and I’ve enjoyed it but it has been frustrating as well so it’s great to come here and play.”