NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn has revealed that he feared defender Kyle Howkins could be ruled out for the rest of the season after a horror clash of heads in last week’s FA Cup win at Maldon & Tiptree.

Howkins was laid out by a late challenge from Maldon striker Charlee Hughes during the second half of County’s 1-0 win in Essex.

The 6ft 5ins centre-back suffered a fit after landing and was taken to hospital after being stretchered off.

Posting from his sick bed, Howkins gave fans an update of his condition on Twitter the day after the second-round tie, and the club confirmed earlier this week that he had been released from hospital.

A club statement read: “We are delighted to confirm that Kyle Howkins has been released from hospital and is now at home with his family recovering from the head injury he sustained during Friday's Emirates FA Cup second round match against Maldon & Tiptree.

“On behalf of Kyle and his family, we would like to place on record our thanks to all of the medical staff for their brilliant help during Kyle's time spent in hospital.”

And, speaking before tomorrow’s League Two trip to Bradford City, Flynn said: “He’s doing well. The concussion protocol means that he won’t be doing anything for two weeks.

“He’ll just be resting and then when he comes back in there will be the next stage of the concussion protocol for three days after that.

“But it’s a lot better than we first thought. He’s going to be out for a number of weeks but it’s nowhere near as bad as we thought.

“We thought it could have been until the end of the season, but that’s not the case.

“He’s a big strong lad,” added the Exiles boss. “He’s a lovely lad as well and it’s a worrying time.

“The most important thing is that he’s healthy. Football comes second.

“But I’m sure that he’ll come back and he’ll be fine.”

Read more: Newport County handed home tie in Leasing.com Trophy third round