Saints manager Steve Castle hopes Godfrey Poku can return from Luton for Newport County match (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Saints manager Steve Castle hopes Godfrey Poku can return from Luton for Newport County match

12:10pm Wednesday 20th January 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

St Albans City manager Steve Castle is optimistic about having Godfrey Poku back for this weekend's trip to runaway leaders Newport County.

The talented teenage midfielder completed his move to Luton Town earlier this month but Castle is close to agreeing a deal to bring him back for the rest of the season on loan. Jonathan O'Donnell also joined the Hatters but should return to Clarence Park once he has recovered from an ankle injury.

Castle said: "If we can get Godfrey back then that will be a real boost for everybody. I'm optimistic about getting him for the game."

The Saints face their toughest test of the season on Saturday when they visit Blue Square South pacesetters Newport. City pushed them all the way before losing 1-0 at home to Dean Holdsworth's side back in October and Castle believes they are capable of causing an upset against the champions elect.

Castle said: "They are a tough team to play against. If we had taken a draw in the home game that would have been a fair result but we didn't take our opportunities and they had a bit of quality which got them their goal.

"It would take a brave person who will bet against them. With their set-up and the players they have got, I would be amazed if anyone catches them. But it would be nice if we get the three points which would perhaps make them start to worry about things for the first time.

"They're a very good team," the Saints boss continued. "Newport are already looking at next year and doing well in the Blue Square Premier. They're a very big club in non-league terms. They have made some good signings and will probably be even stronger than when we played them at Clarence Park.

"It will be a tough game but I don't think many people fancied us to go and get a result at Dover when we arguably could have won that game. It would have been nice if we were playing Dorchester instead of them. But every single game has tough elements and we just need to focus on putting on a performance this weekend."

Despite their lengthy break due to the wintry weather, Castle does not expect his team to be too rusty and has praised them for their determination to keep in a good condition.

"We're having three training sessions this week and we're looking forward to getting out on the pitch,” he added. "I couldn't ask for any more from all of them. They have been doing things themselves because we haven't been able to do much ball work.

"We need to get ourselves back on track but we've got a good, honest group of lads that want to do well. They have looked after themselves well and the only thing they haven't done is swimming. They have been doing a bit of rowing, running and boxing. I wouldn't say we will have any cobwebs to dust away especially with the cup game."

Assistant-manager Mark Peters will definitely miss the trip to Newport due to his three-match suspension. James Quilter has had a scan on his knee but the manager remains hopeful he can play this weekend.

Castle explained: "It showed that he has a bit of wear and tear on his knee. But if you scanned all the players then I think 95 per cent would have some wear and tear.

"We need to get it looked at by a specialist but he has been resting and it's been a blessing in disguise not having done a great deal recently. I hope he can be fit for consideration."