NEWPORT County AFC boss Nelson Jardim will have no qualms about giving versatile defender Cameron Evans a first League Two start against Port Vale.
The Exiles will be forced into a change in defence because Matt Baker is on international duty with Wales Under-21s, who play a European qualifier in Iceland on Tuesday.
Baker has started the last five games but is unavailable for the Rodney Parade fixture with the Valiants along with club captain James Clarke, who is out until the end of the month through injury.
Jardim fielded a flat back four for most of pre-season and in the opener at Cheltenham but has changed to wing-backs for three League Two wins on the spin.
If the head coach is to stay with that system then he will need to select another centre-back to join Ciaran Brennan and Kyle Jameson at the back.
Evans and teenager Nelson Sanca are the candidates with the former hoping to get the nod for a first start in the EFL.
The 23-year-old, who came through the ranks at Swansea City, joined this summer from Taunton Town in National League South and has made three League two appearances off the bench for the Exiles.
Evans came into the starting line-up for the EFL Trophy game against Cheltenham on Tuesday and played the first half as a central defender, where he featured for Taunton, before moving to left-back in the second half.
“We have a good squad with plenty of options,” said Jardim about replacing Baker. “I see others that can step in and do as good a job.
“I have known Cameron since he was 15 years old [at Swansea City] and know what he can do and what he can offer.
“He can play in different positions and he was good on Tuesday, so he is a good option along with Nelson Sanca.
“We haven’t made a decision yet and we have to assess everything but it will be between those two.”
Evans would likely slot in on the right of the trio against Vale but Jardim also backs the summer signing to produce the goods in a variety of roles.
“Even as an academy player he was centre-back, left-back, right-back, a deep-lying midfielder,” said the boss.
“He can cover all those positions and it’s important to have a player like him who can put in a good performance wherever he plays.
“Cameron fits very well into the style and, just as importantly, he is an excellent character to have at the club.
“He grew into the game against Cheltenham and he has always given the team what was needed when coming on. It’s good to see a player growing into senior football with more responsibility, being calm and playing his football.”
County will assess midfielder Jamie Miley after the loanee from Newcastle, who was making his debut, limped off in the closing stages of the 2-1 loss to Cheltenham.
“He felt some fatigue, as a precaution we have done a test but I don’t know the results yet. He will be assessed but hopefully it’s nothing,” said Jardim.
The Exiles are still without winger Michael Spellman, who suffered a muscle injury on the eve of the season.
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