NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn admits he would consider bringing in a free agent before the January transfer window, if the right player became available.

Flynn has freed up some space in his squad and in the budget by releasing centre-back Lazar Stojsavljevic and sending fellow defender Marvel Ekpiteta out on loan.

And he’s not ruling out the prospect of strengthening before January.

“Possibly, if the right player comes up and it works logistically,” said the Exiles boss, who is preparing his squad for tomorrow's home clash with Scunthorpe United.

“We don’t want to be spending money on accommodation and the like [if we don’t need to].

“It’s got to weigh up [in our favour]. They’ve got to be in the right shape, fitness-wise, and I’ll only bring players in who I think will improve the squad.

“If I can get one or two who are out of contract then that will be a bonus. If not, we’ll have to look at January.”

South Wales Argus:

Ekpiteta, a summer signing from National League South side Hungerford, moved on loan to National League strugglers Ebbsfleet United last week.

And Flynn hopes the move will benefit the 24-year-old and help boost his confidence before he returns in January.

“Marvel needs games,” said the manager. “He’s come in to full-time training and it was a bit of a step up.

“Anybody who has done it will know that it is tough. I’ve done it and it is hard. It takes you a while to get up to speed.

“But I’m sure, if you’ve got the ability it comes through in the end.

“He settled in really well with the lads but he just needs games to keep improving.

“He’s gone down to Ebbsfleet with [caretaker manager] Kevin Watson and he’s somebody I know so I know he’ll be looked after there and he’ll come back with a spring in his step and a lot more confidence.”

On the future of Guyana international winger Keanu Marsh-Brown, Flynn said: “Keanu’s training but he’s not in my plans and he knows that."

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