NEWPORT County AFC captain Joss Labadie could be facing up to a year on the sidelines with a suspected cruciate knee injury.

Manager Michael Flynn revealed the news after today’s 1-1 home draw with Luton Town when Josh Sheehan’s second-minute opener was cancelled out by Dan Potts for the visitors midway through the first half.

Labadie picked up the injury in training and missed the Hatters’ visit to Rodney Parade.

The club is waiting for further news but Flynn fears the worst.

“We’re waiting on the scan results for Joss but it doesn’t look good, if I’m honest,” said the Exiles boss.

“He’s got a suspected ACL injury and I’ll know more on Monday.

“It’s anything between six and 12 months so it’s not good news.

“It’s a big blow. He’s had a great season and he’s a fantastic lad. He’s respected by all the players and by myself because he comes in and gives his all.

“It was a training ground incident. A player landed on top of him. These things happen.”

Striker Paul Hayes also missed today’s match but he’s likely to be back in contention for next week’s home clash with Crewe Alexandra.

“Hayesy’s calf was too tight to risk today so that’s short-term,” added Flynn.

“We could have maybe risked him but there’s every chance that he would have gone and pulled it and missed rest of the season.”