NEWPORT County AFC will be without young defender Regan Poole for the next two games as he represents Wales under-17s in Russia, writes Andrew Penman.

The 16-year-old recently played in central defence for Geraint Williams’ under-17s national side in two friendly matches against the Czech Republic in Newport and Ystrad Mynach last month.

And this week he travels to Krasnador for the UEFA Under-17 Championship Elite Round as the Welsh youngsters play the Russians on Saturday, Austria on Monday and Iceland next Thursday.

That means Poole will miss County’s trips to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday and Accrington Stanley next Friday.

Meanwhile the club have issued a statement about the incident towards the end of Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Luton Town at Rodney Parade when former County player Fraser Franks appeared to push a ball boy.

The statement reads: “Newport County AFC are aware of an incident involving a ball boy at Tuesday night’s game at Rodney Parade.

“The club have been liaising with Luton Town FC and the FA regarding the incident, which has been dealt with by the FA and no further action will be taken.

“Newport County AFC have spoken to the ball boy involved and will liaise further with Luton Town FC on the matter.”