DARREN Jones looks set for a return to his hometown club as Newport County AFC manager Warren Feeney revealed he hopes to add an experienced central defender to his squad ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Leyton Orient.

Feeney met with an unnamed player, believed to be Jones, before today’s 2-2 draw with Dagenham & Redbridge at Rodney Parade.

Defender Janoi Donacien was forced off with an injury in the second half and fellow centre-back Matt Partridge is still out with an ankle problem.

Newport-born Jones, who left the Exiles for Forest Green last summer, is currently out of favour at the New Lawn.

The 32-year-old did not feature today as Rovers beat Braintree Town 1-0 in the Conference and the Argus understands he was at Rodney Parade this afternoon.

“I had a meeting today with a player before the game and I’m hoping to have him in by Tuesday,” said Feeney after the final whistle.

“I think he’ll add fantastic experience for us and I think we’ll need it.

“I don’t care how we do it, it’s about getting over the line; sometimes you’ve got to win football matches ugly.

“Everyone wants to get the ball down and play but for me it’s about winning games and grinding out results like we did today.

“I want to bring experience in. No disrespect to young lads in under-21 football but I think the position we’re in we need men.

“We need people who’ve played games and I know the only way you get experience is by playing but we need soldiers out there who are going to go toe to toe with anyone.

“I’m hoping to get this centre-half over the line by Tuesday.”