Scunthorpe United could have a number of players available for their trip to Newport County following recent injury concerns, manager Paul Hurst has revealed.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the match, Hurst gave an update on four members of his side who could feature on Saturday, as reported via the club's social media.

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One player who could be available is Rory Watson, with the goalkeeper having avoided a fracture to either his nose or cheekbone following a heavy collision with Northampton striker Vadaine Oliver during the Irons' 3-0 win on Saturday, although the club will still have to go through the concussion protocol before deciding whether the 23-year-old features at Rodney Parade.

Another player who looks to be available for the trip to Wales despite picking up a knock in the win over Northampton is Kevin van Veen. The striker was withdrawn at half time last weekend with an ankle problem, but has trained for much of the week meaning he could feature on Saturday.

A further boost appears to have come with the news that defender James Perch is back in contention to feature after recovering from the flexor injury that kept him out of the Northampton win, while striker Jamie Ward could also return.

Ward, who scored on his debut in a 1-1 draw with Bradford at the end of September, has recovered from an illness that has kept him out since that point, although it appears as though that bug is still impacting the squad, meaning Hurst will assess his options before deciding who to take to Newport.

Scunthorpe go into the game 22nd in League Two, having won two and drawn four of their opening 13 league games of their season, ahead of their clash with one of the division's early play-off contenders.

The Verdict

This ought to be a big boost for Scunthorpe.

Newport are already looking as though they will once again be a dangerous side at this level this season, so Scunthorpe will need to be at their best if they are to compete with The Exiles on Saturday.

Having the likes of Ward, van Veen and Perch available does look as though it will help Scunthorpe get back towards that full strength ahead of this weekend.

After picking up that win against Northampton to make it three unbeaten in the league, it does seem as though there are grounds for optimism for Scunthorpe ahead of that trip to Wales.