Experienced striker Paul Hayes is ruled out of Newport County’s home match against Cheltenham tonight (Tuesday) and won’t be able to make his debut until the new year.
Hayes, 34, has scored 145 goals in 598 first team appearance during a career which took him to 11 clubs.
He played in all three divisions of the Football League, but is now left on the sidelines because of a hitchhiker his international clearance.
Hayes, who earned promotion with Charlton, Scunthorpe three times and Barnsley, scoring their first goal in the 2006 League One play-off final against Swansea City.
Barnsley won after extra time and penalties with Hayes also converting his spot-kick in the shoot-out.
Hayes was preparing to play against Cheltenham in the Checkatrade Trophy this season, but a statement issued by County says: “The club can confirm that the registration of Paul Hayes as an EFL player for Newport has been delayed until January 2018 due to unforeseen challenges with registration regulations.
“The club has been liaising with the EFL in relation to the player’s registration, which cannot be formally processed until the opening of the transfer window in January.
“We are also aware that there are a number of other clubs who have had similar mid-season applications refused.
“The player’s contract has been amended to reflect the situation and he will maintain engagement with the club to ensure he is fit and available for selection from January.”
Hayes was released by Wycombe Wanderers in August and was a free agent when he signed for Newport. It seems, though, that a brief spell at non-League Hemel Hempstead Town, where he didn’t play a game, has stopped his registration.
Flynn will make a number of changes to his team for the clash with Cheltenham, particularly with a League Two home fixture against Port Vale being played on Friday (7.45pm).
County have been drawn against Cambridge United in the FA Cup second round and Flynn said: “A home draw is what we wanted.
“We are a match for anybody at home.
“It’ll be a tough game, but both of us will fancy our chances of making it to the third round.
Newport County (v Cheltenham), possible: Day or Bittner, White, Bennett, Demetriou, Pipe, Dolan, Owen-Evans, Butler, Rigg; Reynolds or Quigley, McCoulsky.
Checkatrade Trophy details:
There are 16 groups of four organised on a regional basis. All clubs will play each other once, either home or away. Newport already out and cannot progress to next round.
Three points for a win, one for a draw.
The top two teams will progress to the knockout stage.
Group E results so far: Cheltenham Town 1, Swansea City (u-21) 2; Forest Green Rovers 2, Newport County 0; Cheltenham Town 1, Forest Green Rovers 2; Newport County 1, Swansea City (u-21) 2; Forest Green Rovers 0, Swansea City (u-21) 2.
Remaining fixture:
Tuesday, November 7: Newport County v Cheltenham Town.