PAT MOUNTAIN is still Newport County's No 1, insists boss Peter Nicholas.

The Welsh semi-pro international goalkeeper has missed County's opening two pre-season friendlies and that has sparked suggestions that Mountain is being frozen out by Nicholas.

Speculation has been mounting that he will be replaced by Newport-born ex-Cardiff City player Lee Kendall, who was at Welsh Premier League Haverfordwest County last season.

Last week 26-year-old Mountain was linked with Nationwide Conference side Forest Green Rovers, where former County manager Tim Harris is a coach. But Nicholas has flatly dismissed reports as "rubbish."

"Pat Mountain is a quality goalkeeper and an integral part of my squad," said Nicholas.

"I have no intentions of letting him go. All the speculation is absolute rubbish. Pat is stilll recovering from his knee ligament injury and I felt it was too soon to risk him when I have two other capable keepers."

Nicholas also denied a rift between the two men. Mountain has made 199 competitive starts for County and is third on the all-time appearance list. The former Welsh Under-21 international is a favourite with County's fans and 'loves' the club.

Nicholas is set to play Mountain for some part of County's pre-season friendly at Gwent County outfit Pill tonight (6.30pm).

Strike duo Garry Shephard and John Phillips are on holiday while skipper Matt Rose has recovered from a bang on his hip sustained in Friday night's friendly at Welsh League side Newport YMCA.

* Former New-port County midfielder Richard French is set to sign on for Dr Mar-tens League Premier Division new-boys Merthyr Tydfil.

"Hopefully I'll sign within the next few weeks," said the 19-year-old County youth academy product who lives in Merthyr.

"Playing at Merthyr is more sensible for me. I'm hoping to get an apprenticeship in Merthyr so making it to Newport in the evenings for training would be difficult.

"I had a great time at County and made loads of friends but playing for Merthyr will be easier all round."