NEWPORT County AFC manager Terry Butcher says the arrival of loan signings Janoi Donacien and Tyler Blackwood this week will help ease the burden on the club’s teenage talents, writes Andrew Penman.

Defender Donacien and striker Blackwood could come in for academy graduates Kieran Parselle and Aaron Collins at Carlisle United tomorrow.

And Butcher is also hoping to add a midfielder next week to take the pressure off Tom Owen-Evans.

The Exiles boss is delighted with how the youngsters have performed so far this season but is concerned that their confidence may be affected if they play too many games in a losing side.

“You don’t want to overburden them,” said Butcher. “What will happen with younger players is that the longer they’re in the team and the team is not winning then their confidence goes as well.

“That’s something we don’t want and something we’re wary of.

“When you’ve got experienced players in the squad that certainly helps for competition and helps the younger players come on as well.

“But the younger ones have been exceptional and that’s really been a highlight of our season so far.

“There hasn’t been many but it’s been a highlight that the younger ones have certainly risen to the occasion and played far better than anyone thought they would do.

“That’s a great surprise but obviously a very good one.”

Butcher believes that Blackwood can also help inspire the likes of Lenell John-Lewis up front.

“We can play with three up front or all four if needs be,” he said.

“We’ve got good options – Aaron has played out on the wing and Bodes [Scott Boden] can play out there as well.

“You need people that can score goals and Tyler can certainly do that.

“Aaron and Bodes have got goals and the only one who hasn’t scored yet is Lenny but it is coming.

“He’s too good a player to go too long without a goal.

“If we can play with the freedom that we’ve shown in patches in games then he will score.”