NEWPORT County have been boosted by the return of Max Porter and progress with Aaron O’Connor as the Exiles bid to get back to full strength.

Scans on both players’ injuries came through yesterday and Porter has the all-clear to resume full training.

O’Connor isn’t at 100% yet but took to Twitter to say that he expects to be back in the side within two weeks.

Fourth-placed County will have their feet up tonight as all their Conference promotion rivals are in action.

Leaders Grimsby Town are at Braintree Town, second-placed Wrexham go to Gateshead and third-placed Forest Green Rovers host fifth-placed Kidderminster Harriers.

Lee Minshull and Byron Anthony, the Exiles’ goal heroes in the 3-1 win at Woking, are happy to have a rest.

Victory at Woking followed a 2-2 draw at home to Tamworth and a 2-0 win over Mansfield Town and Minshull and Anthony insist a night off tonight will mean they are refreshed and raring to go for Telford United on Saturday.

“It could have been even better if we’d got the win against Tamworth but we’re pretty happy with the week,” said midfielder Minshull, who scored twice against Woking.

“The pitch was heavy and that took its toll after three games in seven days but we’ve got a week off now and we’ll be ready to go again on Saturday.”

Minshull is pleased to have a run of games in the side in the absence of Porter. “I’ve been a bit in and out but you just try to do well once you get your opportunity,” he said.

“Max has been quite consistent for us and now that he’s out other people have got to step up to the plate.

“I don’t think they were the prettiest goals but we played the conditions well. It was difficult to get the ball down – a little bit like our pitch on Tuesday – but we got the job done.”

Central defender Anthony said: “We knew it was going to be a tough week. Mansfield were in great form and we dealt with them and it was the same against Woking.

“We’ve got a great team spirit in the dressing room and we showed that again this week.

“We were disappointed to concede at the end but we got the three points and we’re happy with that.”

Like Minshull, Anthony has struggled to force his way into the starting XI this season but is now showing Exiles fans what he can do. “I always knew if I got a run in the side in my best position I’d have a good chance of staying there so I’m happy and with the way the team is playing,” he said.