BOSS Graham Coughlan has vowed that he has learned from past mistakes as he prepares to whittle his squad down for the League Two clash with Swindon.

The Exiles head into the Rodney Parade fixture (kick-off 12.45pm) fresh from giving Manchester United an FA Cup scare.

Coughlan was able to name a 20-man squad for that 4-2 defeat but he will have an 18-strong matchday squad for the rest of the season.

Nathan Wood came off the bench at the death against the Red Devils but is now on loan at Cork City but striker Luke Jephcott is in the mix for a debut after his January arrival.

South Wales Argus: CONTENDER: Kyle Jameson is close to a first-team return for CountyCONTENDER: Kyle Jameson is close to a first-team return for County (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

The bench for the United game featured central defender Kyle Jameson, who has not featured since August because of a hip injury, and striker Offrande Zanzala, who ruptured knee ligaments last February.

Coughlan has pledged that he will be patient to ensure he doesn’t lose the fit-again seniors as options.

“I have to learn from previous mistakes. I brought Declan back into the team too early,” admitted the manager, referring to centre-back Drysdale, who is also on the comeback trail.

“I can't just expect Kyle and Oz to go on the pitch and hit top form, they need game time. Unfortunately, we don't have a reserve team, so we have to get game time and training time somewhere else.

“They have only had one game under their belt and that was a mixed indoor game with the youth team.

“The FA Cup allows nine subs but you ideally wouldn't put them in matchday squads, because they are not up to speed.

“We are looking to get some game-related, proper minutes under their belt before they can realistically compete at the levels they would like.”

County remain without defender Josh Seberry, who broke his leg at Notts County in the autumn, and striker Omar Bogle, who is a few weeks away from a return from a muscle injury.