NEWPORT County AFC manager Warren Feeney has boosted his striking options with three new signings ahead of Saturday’s huge League Two relegation battle against Dagenham & Redbridge at Rodney Parade.

With Lenell John-Lewis likely to be out for the remainder of the season after rupturing his hamstring and Aaron Collins set for a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers, County were looking short up front.

But top scorer Scott Boden will be joined in the squad this weekend by Conor Wilkinson, Deane Smalley and Joh-Christophe Ayina – subject to international clearance.

Irish under-21 international Wilkinson, aged 20 arrives on a one-month loan from Bolton Wanderers.

“Conor is experienced,” said Feeney. “He’s a big boy and he’s got a bit of an edge to him and quality, which is the most important thing.

“He’s been at Barnsley, Torquay United and Oldham on loan and he’s one that I’ve had my eye on for a while. I think he’ll come in and make us better.”

Smalley, aged 27, will be with the Exiles until the end of the season on loan from Plymouth Argyle.

“I was at Oldham with Deane,” said Feeney. “He was injured last year but he’s back, he’s fit and he wants to play.

“We beat off a couple of clubs [for his signature] and he’s a strong boy who can play out wide or through the middle and he’s here until the end of the season.

“If we can get games behind him you look at his record in this league for Oxford it’s fantastic.

“He’s a presence and he’s got that quality to make us better.”

Frenchman Ayina, aged 24, was released by Rochdale earlier this month and joins as a free agent until the summer.

“I think there was a deal in place for John to go to another team in this league but a manager left,” said the Exiles boss.

“He’s got a fantastic CV and it was an easy one for us. He’s high energy and I want players who have played.

“No disrespect to the young lads but with the position we’re in we need experience.

“John’s on a deal until the end of the season and I’ve spoken a few people at clubs he was at and they say he’s fantastic.”

And Feeney is hoping to add more signings before the end of the month.

“I’m delighted with the three but we’re looking at possibly bringing in another two players,” he said.

“I’m not one who’s going to rest on my laurels – I’ll fire everything at it to get us where we want to be.”