NICK Townsend has given promotion-chasing Newport County AFC a boost ahead of Saturday’s League Two trip to Bradford City by returning to training.

The goalkeeper missed last Friday’s 3-2 defeat to Hartlepool after suffering a hamstring strain, with Joe Day returning to the XI backed up by novice stopper Evan Ovendale.

Manager James Rowberry said that the Exiles would need to let the injury settle before assessing the damage but Townsend is back playing a part in preparations for the Bantams clash at Valley Parade.

The 27-year-old West Midlander has been impressive since winning the start back from Day in January.

Townsend has started 17 games in League Two while Day made his 21st outing of the season, and first since mid-December, against Hartlepool.

Rowberry has a call to make in goal while County will be hoping central defender James Clarke is fit for Yorkshire after coming off in the last two games with back spasms.

Midfielder Robbie Willmott, fresh from signing a one-year contract extension, will be pushing for a return to the XI after his comeback from a lower leg injury last weekend.

County were seven unbeaten in their League Two promotion bid until being edged out by Hartlepool last Friday.

Bradford have won two and lost three since appointing former Wales boss Mark Hughes as replacement for Derek Adams after another underwhelming campaign in the fourth tier.