Winning mentality can drive Newport to safety - Fuchs

Christian Fuchs believes the "winning mentality" his players have developed can drive his Newport County side to survival this season.

The Exiles were rock bottom of League Two and four points adrift of safety when Austrian Fuchs was named as Dave Hughes' successor in November.

But they head into their final seven matches of the season one point and one place above the relegation zone.

Despite suffering a last-gasp 2-1 loss to Walsall last time out, Fuchs feels the response of his players to the defeat has given him hope of preserving the club's EFL status.

"Obviously the last goal conceded at Walsall really hurt," he said. "We needed to be better in our decision making.

"However, what I heard back from the boys made me very positive. When we reviewed the game, they told me they were trying to win it. That is such a positive sign.

"Should we have taken a point at Walsall? 100%. Maybe we manage the game differently in the final moments. But the fact they felt the game was there to win shows how much the players have developed a winning mentality."

The Exiles face back-to-back home matches against sides just above them in the table.

They host Shrewsbury Town on Saturday (15:00 GMT) before welcoming Crawley Town - currently above Newport on goal difference - to Rodney Parade on Friday, 3 April (15:00 GMT).

And Fuchs believes the Newport faithful have full belief that their side can avoid dropping into the National League.

"It's great to see over the weeks and months how the tide has shifted. We were here several times after a game where, rightfully so, the fans showed us their frustration, and I completely understand that," Fuchs said.

"I think what has happened now is that everybody around the club, every fan, sees what the boys are trying to do, how much energy they put in, how much effort they put in every single game, and they appreciate it.

"It's the grind, it's the fighting for every ball, it's the hard running, winning the duels, being scrappy at times."

He added: "From the very first minute, let's make Rodney Parade our fortress and let's get those three points.

"With the support of our fans, I hope it's going to be really loud.

"That would be amazing, and I hope as many people as possible come, because that will be a very important factor as well to keep us up."

Newport are continuing to monitor Lee Jenkins who has been carrying a shoulder issue while Harrison Biggins is ineligible against his parent club.

Tanatswa Nyakuhwa is unavailable due to his involvement with Wales Under-21s.