NEWPORT County manager Dean Holdsworth will step up his search for a defender today with Lee Baker ruled out for at least another three weeks.

Holdsworth was delighted with the fighting spirit that his side showed against Welsh rivals Wrexham on Sunday but he will look to add to his squad with the emergency loan window opening up today.

With the departure of Ollie Thorne to Kidderminster Harriers last week, the Exiles boss has just two recognised central defenders in Chris Todd and captain Gary Warren.

And there was further bad news yesterday with Baker’s foot injury still no closer to healing and the medical experts ruling the left-back out until the start of October at the earliest.

Eddie Odhiambo and Jamie Collins have filled in for Baker with varying degrees of success so far this season but Holdsworth is now keen to recruit a player on loan who can provide cover at left-back and in the middle.

“I was delighted with the way the players responded in the second half against Wrexham – it was a real squad effort,” said Holdsworth.

“We showed that we never give up and I was particularly pleased with Tony Taggart and Darryl Knights who got the all important goal.

“It keeps our amazing home record going and earns us another point but I am on the lookout to bring someone in on loan this week.

“Eddie and Jamie have done brilliantly at the back but we are a bit short at the moment.

“Lee Baker is out for another three weeks and Wayne Turk is still someway off returning, so that is frustrating and if we can bring someone in we will look to do that.”

There is better news on Sam Foley’s niggling thigh injury, however.

He made a big impact as a substitute on Sunday and has suffered no reaction so should be in contention to feature more prominently at Rushden & Diamonds on Saturday.

- Wrexham boss Dean Saunders was impressed with the big-match live TV experience at Spytty Park at the weekend.

“They’re 18 months without losing here and I thought it was brilliant to see all the fans here on a wet afternoon,” said the Dragons boss after the 1-1 draw.

“They’ve been in the wilderness for a long time and now they’ve got a team to be proud of just one step away from the Football League.

“It was a great day for Welsh football. It was a good game live on telly.

“I just hope the camera wasn’t too close on me because my head was exploding at times!”