Support specific newspaper (5)

I believe the answer is:

sprag

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'support' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'specific newspaper' is the wordplay.
'specific' becomes 'sp' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'newspaper' becomes 'rag' (informal term for a newspaper).
'sp'+'rag'='SPRAG'

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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