NEWPORT County caretaker boss Lee Harrison has refused to rule himself out of the running to replace Anthony Hudson as manager.

Harrison, assistant manager under Hudson, will take charge of the side alongside player/coach Wayne Hatswell for tomorrow’s match at Darlington (KO 3pm).

And he admits he would be interested in the job on a permanent basis but his first focus is on getting a much-needed win in the North East.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested in the job but it’s been spelled out to me that myself and Wayne are in charge for this game only at the moment,” said Harrison.

“It’s been a hectic 24 hours and we haven’t really had time to breathe but our focus is 100 per cent on the game right now.”

Harrison and Hatswell took charge of training yesterday and Harrison admits they face a tough task to get the players’ minds on the match.

“We took a full training session after the chairman (Chris Blight) had spoken to the players and obviously the mood was pretty sombre,” he added.

“They are mostly Anthony’s players and no doubt they will feel partly responsible for what has happened but it’s our job to pick them up.

“We need to get them focused, get a win and put some smiles on people’s faces on a Monday morning for a change.”

Harrison will be amongst the substitutes as goalkeeper Danny Potter (thigh) is still some way from being fit to play.

Tommy Doherty (knee) is also still sidelined but Ryan Gilligan and Darryl Knights are back to full fitness.

“We will take a full squad and it’s our job to put out a side to get a win in a big, big game,” said Harrison.

The 39-year-old former Fulham and Barnet goalkeeper was brought to the club by Hudson in May and he was understandably sad to see his friend leave the club this week.

“You never want to see anyone lose their job and Anthony brought me to the club so it’s been difficult,” he said.

“You could see that we started to improve a little bit in the last few games but results dictated that the club made a decision.

“It’s up to the chairman and (director of football) Tim Harris to decide what happens next but I’m just fully focused on getting a win this weekend.”