Carlisle United's League Two rivals Newport County have been given permission to hold their next two home games at Cardiff City due to the state of the Rodney Parade pitch.

The Exiles' surface, which Newport share with two rugby sides, has deteriorated badly in recent weeks.

And the EFL last night confirmed that Newport would be allowed to stage this month's games against Bradford City and Leyton Orient at the Cardiff City Stadium.

The move is designed to give the Rodney Parade pitch more time to recover ahead of the final stages of the season.

Carlisle are still to face Newport away after January's visit fell to a waterlogged pitch.

The rearranged game is on April 13, by which time County should be back at their home ground.

The decision to allow Newport a termporary ground switch was approved by an EFL board which includes Carlisle co-owner John Nixon, who is League Two clubs' representative.

Newport's form has deteriorated along with their pitch in recent weeks, Michael Flynn's side having won just one of their last seven home games. They are currently eighth in League Two.

Newport said in a statement that "despite the continued efforts of Rodney Parade’s groundstaff, the maintenance of the pitch has become more difficult due to the weather conditions and fixture pile-ups in an unprecedented season for Newport County AFC and Dragons Rugby.

"The hybrid Rodney Parade surface was also scheduled to be re-laid last summer but the work was put on hold owing to the coronavirus pandemic," the club added.

"The club has been in dialogue with representatives from the EFL in recent weeks with a view of finding an alternative venue for both games, which will give the Rodney Parade pitch a chance to recover ahead of County’s remaining fixtures of the campaign."

Newport chairman Gavin Foxall said: “We are very grateful to colleagues at the EFL for their support and understanding in these unprecedented times.

“My thanks and appreciation to Ken Choo and all the staff at Cardiff City for accommodating. It is a good example of how the football community comes together in challenging circumstances.”

Newport are scheduled to return to Rodney Parade for their game against Scunthorpe on Saturday March 27.