NEWPORT County AFC have failed in their attempt to sign two players on loan before tomorrow’s League Two clash at Plymouth Argyle.

Manager Jimmy Dack and assistant Wayne Hatswell are targeting a defender and a striker before the emergency loan window closes.

Hatswell revealed in this morning’s pre-match press conference that initial talks were under way with the players’ clubs.

The Exiles management duo were hoping to have one or both players in the squad at Home Park but could not complete either deal today.

“We’re waiting on one at the moment and possibly another one might come in, in attack and defence, but the paperwork hasn’t been done yet,” explained Hatswell this morning.

“Hopefully that will be done this afternoon and in time for the match tomorrow.

“The group probably hasn’t had that fresh face too many times this season.

“Miles Storey has given us a fresh impetus going forward and I think that is an area that we needed to possibly freshen up a little bit.

“You’ve got to make sure it’s the right person but I think it’s the right time now to bring someone in to cover us until the end of the season.

“We’ve got nine games left now to try to achieve something.”

County hope to have Mark Byrne back from a hamstring problem tomorrow but Robbie Willmott is still injured and Rene Howe is again unavailable.

Meanwhile young defender Regan Poole will be in action for Wales under-17s against Russia in Krasnador tomorrow.