Newport take on Bradford as rivals look to overcome injury crisis

Newport County will tonight face a Bradford City team hoping they have come through the other side of an injury crisis.

And that could include going up against Northern Ireland international Corry Evans who has been snapped-up on a short-term deal to plug a midfield shortage.

Bradford have not won in their last four League Two outings having been hit hard by fitness problems.

Bantams boss Graham Alexander says he has been without seven of the side who started the campaign in August, including three centre-backs and three central midfielders being left unavailable.

Bradford had already recently signed former Leeds and Preston defender Paul Huntington for cover at the back following his release from Carlisle United at the end of last season.

And now they have added 69-cap midfielder Evans - who has arrived on a short-term deal after leaving Sunderland in May.

The 34-year-old Evans, a former Black Cats captain who also appeared for Blackburn and Hull, started Northern Irelandâ€TMs Euro 2016 1-0 exit at the hands of Wales in Paris.

The younger brother of Manchester United defender Jonny Evans, he could go straight into the squad for Countyâ€TMs trip to Yorkshire if paperwork is completed following yesterdayâ€TMs switch.

On the issues he's faced, Alexander said: "We have no other option at the moment apart from being pragmatic about our situation.

"Another option would be to give up and that is not on anyoneâ€TMs mind here, so we must find a solution to our issues. I know how much work and effort this group of players put in every day and if they let themselves down, I tell them.

"But they continue to show great character and great grit. The players consistently show the desire to win, and I praised them for that.

"I said at half time that this is just a sport and that we have to love playing this game and in the second half they showed the right determination and attitude that they need to show again on Monday night."

Despite their problems, Bradford remain unbeaten in seven at home while Newport have managed to avoid defeat just once on the road in four league games so far this year, the 1-0 win at Morecambe.