NEWPORT County AFC boss John Sheridan is hoping for a ticket to ride high in League Two after targeting the signing of a fab four to reignite the Exiles’ stuttering start to the season.

County remain bottom of League Two, but Sheridan has revealed to the Argus that he expects four acquisitions to boost his squad.

Two of those players, midfielder Scot Bennett and an as yet unnamed striker, trained with the Exiles on Friday.

They will be included in the squad for Saturday’s trip to Mansfield Town, if they receive international clearance in time.

Bennett, aged 25, arrives on loan from Notts County where he was a summer signing from Exeter City.

Comfortable in midfield or defence, he brings experience and knowledge of the division, according to his manager.

“Scot Bennett knows this league, I’ve always liked him as a player and he knows this division,”  said Sheridan.

“He was captain of Exeter, he’s at a good age, I don’t know why he’s not been playing at Notts County, but I’m pleased to sign him.

“He’s got good experience and he’s a good age, I think he’ll be a really good addition. He’s going to add to what we’ve got.”

At the time of writing, County were still waiting to confirm the deals with the parent clubs. It is understood Bennett will remain at Rodney Parade until January.

Sheridan feels his squad needs padding further, however.

“It’s got to be 18 men, not 11, you need the squad, and the bench looks stronger,” he said.

“If we bring one or two more in, it gets even better for us.

“We’d like to bring another two in, we are in the process of talking to people and whoever we bring in will make us stronger, they won’t automatically play.

“So we want two more. We’ll also look at the loans we’ve already got. There is no point having six or seven in on loan, because I can only use five.

“I’m not one to sign a player on loan not to figure, the ones who come in are likely to play. But I’ll chat with some of the players already here and if it’s right for both parties, maybe they’ll go back and hopefully I make the right decision.

“It doesn’t mean I won’t be frightened about leaving them out of the team.”

County have tonight confirmed that midfielder Josh Laurent has returned to parent club Brentford.