CAPTAIN Darren Jones says Newport County AFC have nothing to lose against promotion rivals Bury and Southend United over the next four days.

Like his manager Jimmy Dack, Jones believes that three wins will be enough for County to seal a League Two play-off spot.

And the skipper is convinced that the Exiles can beat Dagenham & Redbridge, York City and Oxford United in their final three matches to seal a top-seven finish.

That means that anything they get against Bury and Southend, who are still targeting automatic promotion, will be a bonus according to Jones.

Ahead of tomorrow's clash with the fourth-placed Shakers at Rodney Parade, Jones outlined what he feels will be needed to extend the Exiles' campaign beyond May 2.

“We think we need three wins to make the play-offs,” said the captain.

“We’ve got to play two teams above us and if we can take some points in these games it takes some of the pressure off the remaining three.

“The final three games are more likely for us to get points because Bury and Southend are going to be real tough games.

“We think the remaining three will be easier because they haven’t got anything to play for.

“But anyone can beat anyone in this league and we saw that when Morecambe knocked the stuffing out of Bury the other day and that might work for us.

“Bury are one of the most in-form sides so it is going to be very difficult but we just do what we do, try to nick an early goal and try to win the game.”

Another trademark super strike from Jones, like the one that inspired the fightback from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Hartlepool on Good Friday, would be most welcome today.

“Hopefully I’ll get another one,” said the 31-year-old. “I enjoy every goal I score. I don’t score many and it was a good goal but it was vital to get us back into that game.

“Everyone has got to give 110 per cent to get us into the play-offs.

“It’s all about going on a run to get into the play-offs and then hopefully carrying that onto the final.”

Jones will be without regular centre-back partner Ismail Yakubu tomorrow after his red card in Monday’s 2-0 defeat at Exeter City.

But Jones feels no animosity towards Grecians forward David Wheeler, who went down to win the penalty that led to Yakubu’s dismissal.

“Their player won the penalty instead of Ish giving it away,” he said. “Well done to their player; he did a job for them.

“It’s the name of the game; everyone wants to win and you’ll do whatever it takes to win the game. I’m sure our forwards would have done the same.”