NEWPORT County AFC are set to be without a trio of strikers for tomorrow’s League Two clash with Swindon Town but manager Michael Flynn says academy star Momodou Touray is not ready to start.

Shawn McCoulsky is ruled out with pericarditis while calf and hamstring problems are likely to sideline Paul Hayes and Marlon Jackson respectively.

That leaves Padraig Amond and Frank Nouble as the only senior strikers available, although Aaron Collins and Robbie Willmott can also play up front.

“We’re struggling up front and I’ve joked about putting myself up there but I’ve got no chance,” said Flynn.

“I’m nowhere near fit enough and I’d rather put one of the youth team boys on.”

Wales under-19 international Touray was an unused substitute against Stevenage last week and is likely to be on the bench again this afternoon.

The 18-year-old spent time on trial with former Premier League champions Leicester City earlier this season and also had a loan spell with Merthyr Town.

But Flynn says Touray is not yet ready for regular League Two action.

“He’s not an option to start because he needs to up his fitness levels,” said the Exiles boss.

“He’s nowhere near the level. He just needs to be around the first team boys.

“He’s trained this week fully with us and we’ve had some tough sessions and the experience on match-days will help him but he’s got a long way to go.”

Flynn is also likely to be without centre-back Mark O’Brien and that could influence his decision on the best formation for his side tomorrow.

“We’ve got forward thinking players and it just depends on whether we go with a three or a two up front,” he explained.

“I personally do prefer the two but, the way we are at the moment, and at some points throughout the season we’ve been more suited to the three.

“And obviously we look at the other teams weaknesses. It’s food for thought for me. It’s what I get paid to do and hopefully I get it right.”