NEWPORT County AFC manager Graham Coughlan remains hopeful of adding to his attacking options ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline despite a frustrating January window.

The Exiles have so far made just two additions to their squad after following the permanent signing of Harry Charsley on an 18-month deal from Port Vale by bringing in Stoke City defender Matt Baker on loan.

Coughlan was in charge of Charsley at Mansfield and targeted the midfielder soon after taking the reins to add to their goal threat.

County have scored just nine times in open play in League Two this season and the manager still wants to add to his squad before 11pm on Tuesday.

“We are looking and there have been a lot of players that we have just missed out on,” said Coughlan, who was appointed in mid-October.

“We know how far we have come and how far we’ve got to go, we’re not daft and we know what we need.

“If we could get a little bit more quality with some attacking options by Tuesday that would be brilliant and I am very hopeful.”

County are well stocked at the back with Declan Drysdale, Priestley Farquharson, Mickey Demetriou and James Clarke the senior specialist central defenders in the squad.

However, an injury concern plus the departure of Matty Dolan led to Coughlan taking no risks and moving for Wales Under-21s international Baker.

South Wales Argus: SIGNING: Stoke prospect Matt Baker has moved to Newport County on loanSIGNING: Stoke prospect Matt Baker has moved to Newport County on loan (Image: Newport County AFC)

“Matt is a good signing and gives us some good cover,” said the manager, who is keeping the name of injured player close to his chest for now.

“We’ve got a lot of games coming up – 20 in 14 weeks – and we are delighted that Stoke were able to help us out, and this could be a really good loan spell for him.

“I am a long-time admirer of Matt and he can cover a number of positions across the back line. He has been a stand-out performer for Stoke [Under-23s] for a while.

“I’ve seen him on a couple of occasions and he has been in my little black book, so when the opportunity arose it was great to get the move done.”

County endured two enforced Saturdays off because of postponements – AFC Wimbledon at home because of a frozen pitch and Grimsby away due to their FA Cup run – and are next in action against Swindon in Newport on Saturday.

The Exiles got some game time in Swansea last Friday, fielding a mixture of youth and experience in a behind closed doors match against the Championship club.

“With no game it was important to keep fitness levels up,” said Coughlan. “It was a really productive and strong week of training and it was nice to finish off with a game after lots of hard work.”