NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn has made no progress in bringing in new signings ahead of tomorrow night’s Leasing.com Trophy semi-final against Salford City.

County were missing seven players due to injury and wer only able to name five substitutes as they went down 1-0 at Mansfield Town on Saturday.

The Exiles went to Field Mill without a back-up goalkeeper as Nick Townsend has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a calf problem.

Right-backs Ashley Baker and Dan Leadbitter are also unlikely to play again this season due to groin and hamstring injuries respectively.

Flynn has been trying to bring in cover for both positions, but without much luck so far.

“Nothing is happening at the minute,” he said. “We’ve tried. Some of them don’t want to come. Others want to leave their options open.

“There’s 10 weeks left [in the season] and that’s their prerogative. It is what it is and there’s nothing I can do about that.

“We’ve just got to play with the hand we’re dealt.

“But I’m not sat here feeling sorry for myself,” he added.

“I’ve got a positive mindset. We’re going to turn the corner and I’ve got a group of players who give me their all. That’s all I can ask for.”

South Wales Argus:

Left-backs Ryan Haynes and George Nurse, centre-back Mark O’Brien and midfielder Josh Sheehan were also sidelined at the weekend, when Mickey Demetriou and Robbie Willmott had to fill in as emergency full-backs.

But Flynn hinted that some could play a part against Salford: “I’m positive on one or two.

“The only time in the last 20 weeks when we had a fully fit squad, we beat Swindon. We looked really good, scored more than one goal and kept a clean sheet.

“It is frustrating but we’ve got to stick together and keep on improving and try to get to the final and then climb up the league.”

January loan signings Otis Khan, Dale Gorman and Billy Waters are all cup-tied tomorrow.

Read more: Newport County aim to beat Salford and become Wembley winners