Newport County defender Fraser Franks not fit for FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough

Franks, who missed the 1-0 win over Exeter City, has been ruled out of the Boro clash with an ankle injury he sustained in the defeat at Crewe Alexandra on January 12.

Crofts has not played since picking up a hamstring injury against Crawley Town on December 29 and is unlikely to start at the Riverside, according to Flynn.

And Hartlepool-born Dolan, who started his career at Middlesbrough, could miss out on facing his former club as he nurses his own hamstring problem.

“There’s a couple who are struggling,” said Flynn.

“Fraser is out, we’ll see on Crofty. I’ve been hopeful for a few weeks.

“He’s going to a need a lot more training so he’s not one I’m thinking about starting.”

Dolan (above) was an unused substitute against Exeter last weekend and Flynn hinted that he may need to rest the 25-year-old again to ensure he’s fit for the League Two battles ahead.

“Matty has not been fully fit for a number of weeks and it’s been very frustrating for him,” said the Exiles boss.

“You tell him to have a rest but he wants to be out there all the time. He doesn’t want to miss any training.

“I want to get him fully fit. I want him to be 100 per cent, or as close to 100 per cent as he can be to get back to his level.

“There’s no point him being able to do it in one game and then struggling the next.

“He understands that, but I thought he was excellent against Leicester so that’s food for thought.”

Flynn is also still hoping to add to his squad before Saturday’s tie.

Asked about potential signings, the manager said: “I’m hopeful. I’m never positive until it’s signed.”

Any new arrival would have to be registered by midday on Friday to feature at the Riverside, but Flynn is more concerned about boosting his team’s play-off hopes.

“It depends which ones I get,” he said. “A couple of targets are cup-tied, but we’re looking at the bigger picture as well.”

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