Newport striker Hudlin 'should find another sport'

Newport County striker Kyle Hudlin should "find another sport to play", according to former Everton and Wales captain Kevin Ratcliffe.

Hudlin, 24, has scored four goals in 22 appearances for the League Two side since joining on loan from League One Huddersfield Town.

County have lost four successive games to leave them 20th in League Two, six points clear of the relegation zone.

The Exiles' most recent defeat came last Saturday when they threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at Port Vale.

Hudlin only played the final 19 minutes as a substitute but Ratcliffe, who was part of BBC Radio Wales' commentary team, had seen enough to deliver a withering verdict.

"They brought the lad Hudlin on and I'm afraid, for me, he should go and find another sport to play because he's not been impressive to me whatsoever," said the former centre-back.

"I've seen him at Harrogate and Tranmere and he needs to be better, especially if he's come from a place like Huddersfield and is learning the game. He's learning it the hard way."

At 6ft 9in, Hudlin is one of the tallest players in the world, but Ratcliffe believes Newport lack a physical presence elsewhere in the squad.

"When it comes to a battle, they come off second best all the time," he added.

"That's what Port Vale worked out at half-time. Newport lost their way in the second half.

"It was a disappointing afternoon for Newport County once again. That's two wins in 16 games now. That's not good enough."

Asked if this run of results meant Exiles manager Nelson Jardim was under pressure, Ratcliffe said: "As a manager, you're judged on results and the results have not been good enough.

"He's got to have stronger players in the squad. When you go man-to-man against them and match them, that's when it becomes evident they lack in height and physicality."