CAPTAIN Ryan Delaney knows better than anyone that Newport County AFC will face a Morecambe backlash on Tuesday evening.

The League Two rivals had contrasting fortunes at the weekend with the Exiles stunning leaders Stockport while the Shrimps suffered a 6-0 drubbing at Wrexham.

Delaney spent two years with Morecambe in League One, heading to Lancashire after their controversial play-off final win over County.

They may no longer have Derek Adams as boss – the feisty Scot returned home with Ross County last week – but the Exiles have been warned to expect a fiery welcome from their wounded hosts.

“They had an off day but will be right up for it on Tuesday, we don’t expect anything less and we will have to be the same,” said centre-back Delaney, who played 53 times for the Shrimps.

“Morecambe are a club that like to be underdogs and always do well at this level. They will have their backs up after a big loss like that.

“They will be itching for this game, probably more than before, but we can’t look at it any differently.

“The 6-0 won’t be a factor on Tuesday, it’s a fresh game for them as it is for us. We have to be right on it and build on the momentum gained from the Stockport game – that was a big result but we can’t go over the top.”

Adams led Morecambe to promotion to League One and then, after a brief spell with Bradford, returned to avoid relegation in their first campaign in the third tier.

The Scot has left the club in good shape - they have lost their last three but are still 12th, just two back on the play-off spots with a pair of games in hand.

“He’s a big character but I am sure there are enough experienced lads in the changing room to lead after his exit,” said Delaney.

County notched three surprise points against Stockport on Saturday when showing what they are capable of.

Injuries have hit their campaign but Delaney is confident that the Exiles, 16th and seven ahead of one-from-bottom Forest Green, can avoid a nervy brush with the relegation battle.

South Wales Argus: INFLUENTIAL: Newport County captain Ryan DelaneyINFLUENTIAL: Newport County captain Ryan Delaney (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“We want to push up the table and strive for better, because as a man we believe we should be doing better than we are,” said the Irishman.

“Over the last few weeks we have shown in spells that we should have a few more results than we have got.

“Stockport we did it for the 90 minutes but the gaffer tells us on a weekly basis, whether things are going well or not, to have high standards.

“As a group we know that we should be doing better than we are. We hold ourselves accountable for that.

“We can’t just get a result against Stockport and be back at square one on Tuesday, we need to build momentum and we said that straight after the game on Saturday. It’s a tough trip but that’s not an excuse.”