Ian Holloway has given an injury update on several of his side-lined defenders.

Several of Holloway's defensive options remain unavailable for selection ahead of Town's clash with Newport County on Friday night.

Billy Kirkman was the latest defender to have his name added to the injury list this week after lasting just nine minutes against Barrow on Saturday.

However, Holloway was quick to remind fans that the situation could have been much worse.

He said: "The Billy Kirkman news is good news, when I say good news it's only a strain of his MCL, it's not a tear which it looked like it might be so we're talking four to six weeks, so that is good news."

Grant Hall will also miss Friday's fixture but Holloway said the centre-back is nearing a full return to training, having been out of action since Boxing Day.

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"Grant will be back on the grass with the first team next Monday, he's only on the grass with the physios at the minute and touch wood so far nothing has flared up.

"He's had a calf injury to the stabilising muscle which is a nightmare and we've got to make sure he's right, but he's doing stuff on the grass and feeling no pain which is a good sign, hopefully by Monday he'll be fine."

Town's boss was unable to confirm when Joel McGregor and Harrison Minturn would be making a return to first-team training.

"Joel McGregor is progressing slowly but steadily because it's a strain in his groin we have to be careful.

"He is doing better than Harrison Minturn, we are referring Minturn back as he might need an injection, while McGregor is much closer [to returning.]"

In more positive news, Holloway confirmed that George Cox was available this weekend despite being substituted against Barrow after injuring his foot earlier this month.

"Coxy is more than okay. He's a wonderful character and I love him to bits.

"[The substitution] was a precaution, he came off with a smile on his face, and he's trained the rest of the week."

Only Accrington Stanley and Friday's opponents Newport have conceded more goals than Swindon in League Two this season.

However, two clean sheets in the last two league games is a positive sign for the rest of the season, with club captain Ollie Clarke filling in at centre-back in both fixtures.

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