Bira Dembele could be fit to face Newport County in Saturday's FA Cup second round clash whilst Barnet skipper Andy Yiadom returns from suspension

However, loanees Josh Clarke – who is suspended anyway – and Jack Stacey haven’t been given permission by parent clubs Brentford and Reading to play in the FA Cup.

Captain Yiadom missed last weekend’s 3-1 defeat by Mansfield Town at The Hive after accumulating five yellow cards.

Meanwhile, centre-back Dembele has not played since the 2-0 win over Exeter City at the end of October.

“I’m hoping Bira Dembele might be fit,” Allen told the Times Series.

“So hopefully we’ll have two good players coming back into the team and you need your good players all playing.

“Dembele will hopefully be available as long as he has had no reaction to the training he’s done earlier in the week.

“Clarke and Stacey can’t play so that gives people fresh opportunity to go in and play and stake their claim for a starting place.”

Victory against the Exiles on Saturday will see Barnet into round three of the world’s oldest knockout competition for the first time since 2008.

On that occasion they overcame Swindon Town on penalties following draws in the initial tie and the replay only to lose to Bristol Rovers in round four.

Newport have improved under new boss John Sheridan – losing just two from 12 and moving out of the League Two relegation zone. Allen therefore knows progress is not a forgone conclusion.

He said: “John Sheridan done a very good job; he’s always done well as a manager wherever he’s been.

“He’s a really nice person; really humble and down to earth. With the new ownership they’ve brought in some good loan players. They’ve certainly done well in the loan market which is important.

“They had a fantastic result last weekend beating Luton Town 3-0; he’s done a really, really good job.

“I’m looking forward to see him. No doubt we will have a cup of tea in my office together after the game together whatever the result.”

Newport will be without striker Oli McBurnie who scored a 26-minute hat-trick on his debut for the Exiles against Luton last weekend. But parent club Swansea City have denied the forward permission to figure in the FA Cup.

Midfielder Nathan Ralph is the only Newport absentee.