BARROW V COUNTY (Today, KO 3pm)

NEWPORT County boss Justin Edinburgh is considering giving Lee Minshull his first start of the Conference campaign at Barrow this afternoon.

The Exiles are third in the table and sitting pretty thanks to a fine start to the campaign, but they’ve only picked up one point from the last available nine.

Newport have also only scored once in those three fixtures and Edinburgh admitted he is considering making some alterations to his starting line-up for what is generally a difficult away day.

“We are in the same mindset as last week in that we don’t want to make wholesale changes, the performances haven’t been unacceptable to me by any means,” he said.

“I would’ve liked more points from the last three games but I don’t have major issues with how we’ve been playing.

“That being said, as a manager you don’t want anyone feeling too comfortable about starting or being in the squad and we might alternate one or two.

“I think some of the boys who have been on the outside are ready to come in and chomping at the bit to do so.

“Lee Minshull has barely featured but he’s done well when he’s come on and has trained really well.

“I am giving thought to him coming back in.”

The Exiles manager also has a defensive selection poser as Ismail Yakubu has recovered from a slight strain.

In his absence Andrew Hughes was named man of the match in County’s 0-0 draw with Stockport last weekend and Edinburgh admits it’s a tough call on who to start with at Barrow.

“Andrew (Hughes) did really well on Saturday and he’s actually been very unlucky because he was my best player in pre-season,” he said.

“Ismail has recovered though and is in excellent form himself so it’s a tough one, but a good problem for me to have.”

Only goalkeeper Alan Julian is unavailable for the travelling Exiles who yesterday trained at Preston North End’s ground.

Winger Ben Swallow is another understood to be close to getting a first start in Amber.