Pompey fans heading to Newport County on Boxing Day have been warned not to expect a football spectacle.

Boss Paul Cook believes the state of the Rodney Parade pitch has been hampering County's progress under manager Graham Westley and will prevent the festive fixture being a classic.

He told The News: 'I think it’s a difficult position for the manager going in there, but they’ve managed to win a few games quickly. They looked like they were turning it around but the last couple of results haven’t been what they wanted.

‘The pitch and the abandonments have played a big part with that. They are 1-0 up against Morecambe and expecting to win the game. I’m sure they’re suffering because it’s having a detrimental impact on their season in terms of momentum.

‘That’s not our problem. Our problem is trying to get those points on the board to see us where we want to be. Newport will be a very difficult game and the pitch will play a massive part in a tough match. We must adapt.

‘It’ll will be a tough game. Not just because of the pitch — but because of the opposition. ‘But the pitch won’t help it to be a good spectacle.’

Cook has indicated he is ready to make changes to Pompey's line-up - and possibly their formation - over the busy festive period, which also brings games at Yeovil and Doncaster and at home to Luton.

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