NEWPORT County AFC manager James Rowberry will miss tomorrow’s League Two fixture against Harrogate Town after testing positive for coronavirus.

The Exiles boss is in isolation after contracting the virus earlier this week, meaning his right-hand man Wayne Hatswell will call the shots from the dugout at Rodney Parade (kick-off 12.30pm).

Seventh-placed County have prepared for the clash without their manager, who has had the Covid vaccine and booster.

Rowberry will be able to be in charge for next weekend’s trip to Scunthorpe United as long as he feels fit enough.

It is a third spell in charge this season for Hatswell, who stepped up when previous boss Michael Flynn tested positive in August.

He led County to a 1-0 win at Tranmere before enduring the 8-0 hammering by Premier League Southampton in the EFL Cup and a 3-0 loss at Salford City.

South Wales Argus: ASSISTANT: Newport County coach Wayne HatswellASSISTANT: Newport County coach Wayne Hatswell

However, Hatswell was unbeaten as interim manager in October following the departure of Flynn, leading the Exiles to a win over Scunthorpe and draws against Bradford, Exeter and Carlisle.

He has been assisted in training this week by first team coach Jarred Harvey and goalkeeping coach James Hollman as County attempt to end a run of three games without victory.

“The manager did a Zoom meeting with the players on Tuesday morning once he knew that he wasn't going to be in,” said Hatswell.

“He has been involved in the meetings, it's just the training ground where he has been missing.

He will have a meeting with the players today on Zoom and will be back on Monday.

“Fatigue hit him,” continued Hatswell. “He sounded a bit weak on the phone earlier in the week but seems a lot better now.”

The clash with Harrogate is behind closed doors but fans are set to return for the January 29 meeting with Barrow in Newport.