Newport ready for Jamille Matt after return for Forest Green

The 31-year-old made a surprise return from a horror hand injury as a substitute in the first leg at Rodney Parade.

Matt came off the bench on 75 minutes with the score at 2-0 but was unable to strike back for Rovers.

It means they will have to enjoy a big win at the New Lawn if they are to make it to Wembley, with interim boss Jimmy Ball mulling over how to involve his targetman.

Matt hasn't started since suffering the blow against Bolton on March 27 but is set to be a key figure tomorrow after a stunning first campaign in Gloucestershire.

The striker has scored 16 goals with his exploits earning a nomination on the three-man shortlist for League Two player of the season.

18.05.21 - Newport County v Forest Green Rovers, Sky Bet League 2 Play Off Semi Final, First Leg - Jamille Matt of Forest Green Rovers, with Mickey Demetriou of Newport County

Rovers struggled without him and brought the physical frontman back into their 18-man squad at the first opportunity.

"It was a surprise because of the severity of his hand injury but I said to him that in a way I was really pleased to see him back on the pitch, because it was a horrific injury," said County boss Michael Flynn.

"Jamille is somebody that I have a lot of time for… but maybe I wish he'd been out for another week!"

Matt spent two seasons at County, scoring 26 goals and forming a strong partnership with Padraig Amond, but could not be offered a fresh contract last summer because of financial uncertainty in the coronavirus pandemic.

That allowed Rovers to snap him up and he will present a test for the defence, whether as a starter or sub.

"It's a different challenge for us but we know what Jamille is like, we know his strengths and his weaknesses," said Flynn.

"If we sit off and allow crosses to keep coming into the box then he might have a good day. Keep them out of the box and hopefully he'll have a quiet day."