MANAGER Warren Feeney believes new signing Dean Morgan can be a match-winner for Newport County AFC as they battle to avoid relegation in League Two.

Experienced forward Morgan, a free agent after leaving Italian side US Ancona 1905, has trained with County all week and signed a short-term deal on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old played with Feeney at Luton Town and the Exiles boss is delighted to have him on board until the end of the season.

It’s unlikely that Morgan will be fit enough to start against Carlisle United on Saturday (kick-off 1pm) but with eight games to play in March he is set to play a big part.

“I was with Deano at Luton and he’s very loud – the players have found that out already,” said Feeney.

“On his day he can be a match-winner. I know he’s had a lot of clubs but he’s one that wants to play football.

“He’s a good age and he’s got two great feet. I had a joke with him in training telling him I don’t know which is his bad foot.

“He’s going to bring his experience but he’s also very creative.

“I think the only league he hasn’t played in is the Premier League,” he added.

“He even went out to Italy and it didn’t work out for him but he’s hungry and he wants to play and I want that.

“He knows he needs to get fit but he can use his head and he knows the league.

“I’m not saying he’s going to start at the moment but he’s one that might have a big impact for us.

“He can use that wee bit of creativity he’s got and his experience to help the team.”

Feeney revealed that he fought off competition from rival clubs for Morgan’s signature.

“I think it’s a good bit of business to get Deano in until the end of the season,” said the manager.

“A lot of players would want to play abroad but he wants to get back and he jumped at it when I gave him a call.

“I know at the last minute there was a couple of other clubs, one in the league below and a couple in this league, caught wind of it.

“But he was true to his word and he’ll be a big asset to us.”

Feeney has also been looking at a player on a trial basis this week but no deal will be done until after this weekend.

“He’s from Ireland and he’s played a lot of games over there. He’s an honest guy and he’s strong,” he explained.

“He had a spell in England as well and I’ve spoken to Micky Adams about him and he speaks very highly of him.

“He’s one with experience again and it’s no disrespect to the youngsters but in the position we’re in we need men to get us over the line.

“He’s going to come to the game and we’ll have a chat. It might be one we’ll look to complete next week and he’ll be another body and one who can come in straight away.”

Feeney must also decide on the fates of loan players Mitchell Beeney, Ben Davies and Connor Dymond this weekend.

Their initial loan periods all end after the Carlisle game, while striker Conor Wilkinson is due to return to Bolton Wanderers after next week’s trip to Exeter City.

“I’m going to sit down with my staff and discuss it and look at every position and where we need to strengthen,” said the former Northern Ireland international.

“Connor is a young kid who wants to play but he’s been great with his attitude in training.

“Mitchell has started games and been great for me and Ben has slotted in there very well.

“I thought he’s done extremely well and I’ll probably make a decision on them over the weekend.

“I know I’ve got six loans but you’ve got to have cover. I’d like to have two in every position for the run-in.”