Newport County will be without Nick Townsend for their trip to Harrogate Town after the goalkeeper was called up to represent Antigua and Barbuda.

The 29-year-old rejected an international call-up earlier this season but will now be involved for his country’s two Concacaf Nations League qualifiers against the Dominican Republic on Saturday and Tuesday.

Former Manchester United youngster Jacob Carney – who joined the Exiles from Spanish side CD Castellon in the summer – is set to make his League Two debut for Newport in the absence of Townsend.

“We’ve got options in the team, we’ve got Jacob who is ready to go, he’s shown his qualities,” said head coach Nelson Jardim.

“Everyone is a contender. The positives of this group is that I try to have two or three players who can play in different positions.

“Nick has been brilliant for us. Not only on the pitch, but off the pitch. He’s such a nice character to have, and he’s a leader as well.”

Jardim has a number of selection issues to ponder for the trip to Harrogate, with Anthony Glennon suspended and Matt Baker unavailable due to his involvement with Wales Under-21s.

But the Newport boss confirmed centre-back James Clarke is available to play from the outset having been an unused substitute in Monday night’s 3-1 loss to Bradford City.

“There are players still waiting for their chance,” he added.

“We are lucky to have one of our captains back, Clarkey is back. He’s ready [to start].”

Newport sit 10th as they head to The Exercise Stadium. Harrogate are 18th.

On what his side can expect from the Sulphurites, Jardim said: “They’ve been playing in the same sort of group for the last couple of years.

“I expect a tough League Two game. But you have to know where you want to go and just follow it.”