MANAGER Michael Flynn saw the Newport County AFC injury crisis deepen as his side was held to a 0-0 draw at home by Walsall.

Already without defenders Mark O’Brien, Ashley Baker, Ryan Haynes and George Nurse, and midfielders Josh Sheehan and Matty Dolan, Flynn lost second-choice goalkeeper Nick Townsend to a calf strain before the Saddlers clash.

And Dan Leadbitter was forced off in first-half stoppage time at Rodney Parade, meaning the Exiles are currently without both left-backs and now both right-backs as they prepare for Saturday’s trip to Mansfield Town.

And Flynn fears that both Leadbitter and Baker could be out for the rest of the season.

“I had to make a few changes and I decided to make a few changes,” said the boss.

“And Leadbitter got injured. We’ve gone from a clean bill of health to having eight out now so it’s not easy.

“I only had six on the bench and one of them is a first-year pro and the other an academy player.

“And I’ve got no right-backs and no left-backs!”

South Wales Argus:

Baker, a January signing from Sheffield Wednesday, suffered a serious groin injury at Plymouth Argyle and Leadbitter’s injury could be just as bad.

“We think he’s got a bad hamstring tear so he could be out for the rest of the season,” said Flynn.

“Him and Ash could be out for the season so we will have to look at free-agents.”

Asked what that means for a deal to sign free agent Joe Ledley, he said: “He can’t play left-back or right-back so he’s not my priority. He won’t be my priority now.”

Reflecting on the stalemate against Walsall, Flynn was happy with the performance after Saturday’s disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Cambridge United.

“I thought we were by far the better team on the night, but we didn’t take any chances,” he said.

“It’s a bit of everything – misfortune, choosing the wrong options, not anticipating things.

“But I asked them for a reaction today and I got that.”

Read more: Newport County 0 Walsall 0 - match report from Rodney Parade