Newport stop sickness bug before facing Colchester

Newport County have recovered from a sickness bug that led to players being ordered to stay away from training.

The Exiles aim to extend their unbeaten run at Rodney Parade when they host Colchester United in League Two on Saturday (15:00 BST).

Hayden Mullins' men head into the game in high spirits after a battling 0-0 draw at Gillingham last weekend.

They earned a share of the spoils despite a virus that deprived Mullins of top scorer Shaquille Gwengwe and midfielder Kieron Evans.

Defender or midfielder Ciaran Brennan was then impacted by the bug and missed Tuesday's EFL Trophy fixture against Plymouth Argyle, which the League One leaders won on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

"We've had a bit of a bug going through the group, Shaquille went down with illness last Thursday and then we lost another on the morning of the Gillingham game," said manager Mullins.

"Then we lost Brennan, who was sick after the game, and the doctor advised a few of the lads to stay away as well. We just didn't want it spreading."

Newport have had no further incidents, but Mullins is keen to avoid a repeat.

"Touch wood, that is behind us. Everyone trained [on Thursday], the whole group was out there and that was good to see," said the manager.

"It is a bit uncommon to have that many illnesses in the group, so there must have been a reason why. It's something that we might have to have a look at in future."

County have been boosted by the return to training of left-back Tom Davies, who has not played since August.

Strikers Kion Etete and James Crole are nearing returns from long-term injuries while full-back Joe Thomas, who was forced off at half-time with a dead leg against Plymouth, is expected to be in contention to face Colchester.