Newport County have signed young striker Joe Quigley from Premier League AFC Bournemouth.

The big centre-forward has joined the Exiles on loan until January.

Quigley, 20, has had previous loan spells at Poole Town, Torquay United, Wrexham, Woking and Gillingham.

“He’s strong, gets hold of the ball and did well when he was on loan at Gillingham last season before he was injured,” said Newport manager Michael Flynn.

“He has a really good fighting spirit and attitude. We have been keeping tabs on him.

“A League One team almost signed him, but that broke down at the last minute so hopefully their loss is our gain.”

“He will bring competition and a different dimension.

“At 6ft 3ins, he is strong and can run in behind so he gives us that more central figure if we want to play three up front.

“He can also play in a two and gives us more options and competition.”

The arrival of Quigley follows the departure of Aaron Williams, who has signed for Brackley Town on loan.

Newport’s new centre-forward is in their squad for Saturday’s League Two fixture at Coventry City and next Tuesday’s Carabao Cup trip to Leeds United.

Quigley could miss the league match at Exeter City on Saturday, September 2 if he is on duty with the Irish under-21 squad for their Euro under-21 qualifier against Azerbaijan three days later

Scot Bennett and Ben Tozer are close to a return from injury for Newport.

Tozer has been out since January and has since had knee surgery, while Bennett has been missing because of an ankle injury.

“Ben Tozer has upped his training and is looking quite good,” said Flynn. “Whether he’s ready for Saturday is debatable, but he’s close now.

“Hopefully, though, we’ll have Scot Bennett back.

“He has overcome his ankle injury and has been training fully so we’ll have to see how it (his ankle) reacts now and take it from there.

“He’s close, that’s for sure.”

Ben White, a 19-year-old defender signed on loan from Brighton, stepped in for Bennett and has been outstanding.

“Ben is one of these footballers who can play anywhere across the back-line,” he added.

“He has a great future ahead of him and if keeps learning and listening then I have no doubt he will play in the Premier League one day.”

Another player that may be in line for a start is new recruit Reece Cole, a loan signing from Brentford.

He was an unused substitute at Crewe, but may be involved against Coventry at the Ricoh Arena.

Marlon Jackson is still out injured with a damaged hamstring and Flynn said: “He is a lot closer but he’s not ready for this weekend.

“Marlon has done some running this week, which is good, so hopefully it won’t be too long.”