MICHAEL Flynn has selection dilemmas all over the pitch as Newport County AFC prepare to host Cambridge United at Rodney Parade tomorrow.

The Exiles boss made nine changes for Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy tie against Chelsea under-21s and his squad rose to the challenge with an impressive performance and a 3-0 win.

Jamille Matt scored twice against the Blues youngsters and was then forced off with an ankle knock but he’s ready to start against Cambridge.

And fellow striker Antoine Semenyo came off the bench on Tuesday to net his second of the season to put the pressure on Padraig Amond and Mark Harris, who have been the most regular starters up front in recent weeks.

Tyreeq Bakinson and Matty Dolan are likely to come back into the County midfield if they shake off calf and knee problems respectively and if they do then Flynn must decide whether to start with Josh Sheehan or Scot Bennett alongside them.

Keeping Bennet in midfield could allow Mark O’Brien to keep his place in the back three alongside Mickey Demetriou and Fraser Franks, while David Pipe is likely to have recovered from illness to challenge Tyler Forbes at right wing-back.

“It’s nice for Jamma [Matt] to score goals,” said Flynn.

“He’s not really had a full week of training so far – he’s had a couple of niggly injuries – so it’s good for him. It gets his confidence up.

“Antoine came on and got a goal as well and we’ve also got Podge [Amond] and Sparky [Harris] so it’s good competition up there.

“It definitely gives me selection headaches.

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“A lot of them did well [against Chelsea],” he added. “Pringy [Cameron Pring], Tyler Forbes (above), Mark O’Brien all did very well.

“Nick [Townsend]’s distribution was a lot better, [Charlie] Cooper grew into the game and so did Sheehan.

“Across the board it was pleasing and to come through with no injuries, even though Jamille gave us a scare at the end, was another plus.”

Flynn picked out Bennett for particular praise for his performance in a holding midfield role in last week’s 1-0 win at Tranmere Rovers.

“Benno was excellent at Tranmere with his discipline, his positional sense and the amount of work he got through,” said the boss.

“He’s unsung but not within the group. They all respect him and I was really pleased for him because it’s about time he got some praise.”

Youngsters Lewis Collins and Jay Foulston, who both started in midweek, are unlikely to be involved tomorrow.

“Lewis Collins did alright in the first half before he tired a little bit, as did Jay,” said Flynn.

“But that’s because they haven’t had that much football and they’re not getting tested like that week in and week out.

“It was a big step up for them but I thought they did OK as well.”

Today is County’s first League Two match at Rodney Parade since the thumping 6-0 home defeat at the hands of Yeovil Town a fortnight ago but the manager insists his side, who are third in the table, have put that day behind them now.

“We’re back to normal now,” he said. “The win at Tranmere put that to bed and it’s not something I’ve dwelt on. We’ve scored four goals without conceding since then.

“I don’t like losing football matches, especially in that manner. It was a bad day but the reaction we’ve got has been very good.”

And Flynn is well aware of the threats posed by 19th-placed Cambridge, despite his side’s 4-1 win at the Abbey Stadium in last month’s Carabao Cup clash.

“That result doesn’t count for anything,” he added.

“They’ve got some good players – [George] Maris, [Jabo] Ibehre, [Reggie] Lambe. They’re quite big at the back and they’re not a bad side.

“They’ll be looking for a win and no game is easy in this league but it’s one we’ve got to look to win if we’re going to stay where we are [in the table].”