NEWPORT County hope to have two new players available for tomorrow’s trip to Gateshead after agreeing a deal to sign Northern Ireland under-21 midfielder Adam Chapman yesterday.

County are still waiting on international clearance for Chapman and Romone Rose to make their debuts but are optimistic that both players will be available to play at the Gateshead International Stadium.

Chapman, who can also play at right-back, joins the Exiles on loan from Oxford United.

The 22-year-old had been on trial at Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Mansfield Town this month but Exiles boss Justin Edinburgh has beaten Stags manager David Holdsworth to his signature.

Chapman was named man of the match in Oxford’s Conference play-off victory over York City at Wembley in May 2010.

But he has struggled to claim a first-team place this season since returning to the club after serving a prison sentence.

The player pleaded guilty to causing death by driving dangerously in May 2009 and was sentenced to 30 months in a Young Offenders Institute in June 2010. He was released last September.

“We’re waiting on international clearance for Romone and the deal for Adam is almost done,” said County assistant manager Jimmy Dack.

“We’re optimistic that both will be able to play and we are working hard to bring in one or two more players before the deadline.

“Then you’ll really start to see a Justin Edinburgh team.

“This is a hard time of year to bring quality players in but we feel we’ve done alright so far this month.”

If the two deals go through as expected it will bring the total number of signings this month to six.

Nat Jarvis, Andy Sandell, Ryan Charles and Lee Minshull all arrived at Spytty Park since January 1.

The transfer window shuts on Tuesday and there could be movement out of the club before then with goalkeeper Danny Potter and utility man Tom Miller are both on the transfer list.

“Miller has turned down an offer from one club because it didn’t suit him,” said Dack.

“Potter is looking for a club but they are both good lads and if they stay it won’t be a problem.”