NEWPORT County AFC have moved quickly to replace injured striker Seb Palmer-Houlden by snapping up his fellow Bristol City prospect Olly Thomas.

Palmer-Houlden’s bright start to life at Rodney Parade has been ended by a hamstring tear that will sideline him for at least three months.

The Exiles were already on the hunt for a striker and have profited from a Robins rejig with the Championship club recalling Thomas from a loan at Yeovil Town in favour of opportunities in League Two.

He joins on a season-long loan while Palmer-Houlden will remain registered with the Exiles with a view to returning after completing his rehab in Bristol.

Thomas played against County for the Glovers in pre-season and had made six appearances in the National League South, scoring twice.

The 18-year-old will now be challenged to make the step up to the EFL as an attacking option to go with Omar Bogle, Will Evans and Kiban Rai while Palmer-Houlden and Offrande Zanzala (ruptured knee ligaments) target winter returns.

“We were obviously disappointed to lose Seb,” said manager Graham Coughlan, who had paired Palmer-Houlden with in-form Will Evans.

“We needed to replace him and thankfully we have a great relationship with Bristol City, Seb’s parent club, who were keen to help.

“Olly brings a lot of the same qualities as Seb – the presence, link-up play and pressing – together with his own individual strengths.

“He’s a great addition to the squad and we are all looking forward to working with him.”

Thomas, who made his first Yeovil start on Bank Holiday Monday, is likely to slot straight into the matchday squad for the clash against AFC Wimbledon if he gets international clearance.

The youngster is relishing the sudden step up to the Football League: “I’m very excited, this is a massive push for me, so hopefully I can press on now.”

Yeovil boss Mark Cooper believes his side's performance when beating the Exiles 2-0 this summer played a part in the move.

"It's a shame because Olly did great for us," he said. "He made an impact off the bench and did fantastically well, the only problem was that he played really well against Newport in pre-season.

"They obviously remembered that and have got an injury and he gets to go and play in League Two, so good luck to him." 

Yeovil’s disappointment at losing Thomas is cushioned by the arrival of County goalkeeper Joe Day.

The stalwart had been on loan at National League Woking but was playing second fiddle to Will Jaaskelainen so was recalled and sent back out to Somerset.

Thomas is County's 12th signing of the summer and fifth loan arrival with Palmer-Houlden staying registered.

He will target a December return with a view to a strong second half of the campaign in Newport.

County are able to name five loanees in a matchday squad in League Two, which means another space is available while Palmer-Houlden is sidelined.

Wales Under-21s defender Matt Baker has been linked with a return to Rodney Parade from Stoke after impressing in the second half of last season.