NEWPORT County AFC loan star Shawn McCoulsky is set to miss Saturday’s home clash with Stevenage after complaining of chest pains this week.

The Bristol City striker, joint top scorer for County with 11 goals in 35 appearances, has been diagnosed with pericarditis – inflammation of the fibrous sac surrounding the heart known as the pericardium.

Manager Michael Flynn said: “Shawn McCoulsky is out.

He’s had chest pains and he’s been checked out by the hospital. It’s something called pericarditis.

“The doctor spoke to Bristol City yesterday and I’d obviously never risk a players’ health.”

Fellow striker Paul Hayes (calf) and utility player Robbie Willmott (knee), who were both forced off against Coventry City on Good Friday, are doubtful for Saturday.

“There’s a few struggling,” added the Exiles boss.

“Paul Hayes I don’t know – we’ll have to see. Robbie Willmott is touch and go as well.”

Captain Joss Labadie is beginning his rehab at the club’s training base at Spytty Park.

“He’s in and starting his rehab,” said Flynn. “He’ll see the doctor to double check everything but the road to recovery has started now.

“He’s walking, which is always a good sign so soon after the op, and this is where all his hard work will come into play.

“Let’s just hope that he doesn’t have any kind of breakdown he rehabilitates in the best way he can.

“It could be anything between six and nine months.

“I’d expect it to be about eight but I’m not putting any pressure on him.

“If it’s seven then great, if it takes nine then so be it; whatever it takes to get him 100 per cent fit – that’s the most important thing.”