NEWPORT County AFC are assessing captain Ryan Delaney ahead of Saturday’s League Two game against Gillingham after he limped off in midweek.

The central defender has missed just one league game this season through suspension but is a doubt for the Rodney Parade encounter with the Gills.

The Irishman suffered an injury to his left knee while attempting to make a clearance in the eighth minute of the 3-1 loss to Notts County on Tuesday. He carried on after treatment but was replaced early in the second half.

“He picked up an injury early doors and tried to limp through, like Aaron Wildig did at Walsall last Saturday,” said manager Graham Coughlan.

“We had to change it and the last thing we wanted to do was come out of the game with a defeat and players missing for longer periods than needed after trying to soldier on.”

Right-back Lewis Payne came on for the skipper with centre-back Kyle Jameson dropped from the 18-man squad against the Magpies.

South Wales Argus: Newport County defender Kyle JamesonNewport County defender Kyle Jameson (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“It was an internal matter that I need to deal with,” said the manager about the summer arrival from Tranmere’s absence.

Jameson suffered a hip injury in August and has been an unused substitute on four occasions since his comeback last month.

County were forced into a change for the Notts game after Wildig limped off after 15 minutes of the 3-0 win at Walsall when the Exiles were leading 2-0.

The central midfielder was the victim of a late tackle and came off after having his right ankle strapped at Bescot Stadium.

“It’s day by day with ‘Diggers’. If he doesn’t make this Saturday then he will definitely make the following Saturday,” said Coughlan, with MK Dons away the fixture after Gillingham.

“It’s not something that will keep him out for weeks and months, but he is struggling.”

Harry Charsley came on for Wildig in Walsall and replaced him in the XI against Notts.

Newcastle loanee left-back Matty Bondswell and young right-back Harrison Bright came into the matchday squad for Jameson and Wildig.

Bondswell came on when it was 3-0 for a first outing since the win against Wrexham on January 20 while Bright is yet to get on since returning from a loan spell at Cymru Premier Barry Town United at the start of the year.