FORMER Newport County AFC star Regan Poole made his debut for Wales under-21s in tonight’s UEFA European Championship qualifier against Denmark in Wrexham.

Poole, who left Rodney Parade for Manchester United 12 months ago, replaced County midfielder Josh Sheehan after an hour.

Sheehan, on loan from Swansea City, started the match alongside former Exiles loan star Tommy O’Sullivan and Newport-born Ellis Harrison while Cwmbran-born Theo Wharton was an unused substitute.

The night did not go to plan for Wales, however, as Group 5 leaders Denmark romped to a 4-0 win at The Racecourse thanks to a brace from Pione Sisto, and one goal each from Marcus Ingvartsen and substitute Kasper Dolberg.

Poole told FAW Radio: “It’s not the debut I would have wanted and it’s obviously mixed emotions for me.

“I would have wanted the win today but we were up against a very good side and we didn’t perform.

“We’ll put it behind us now and go again on Tuesday and hopefully I’ll get a game.

“We’ll be back on the training pitch in the next couple of days and make things right – we have two winnable games [to finish the group].”

Reflecting on his meteoric rise over the last year, Poole said: “It’s been an amazing year and I’ve loved every single minute of it.

“Getting on for the under-21s is positive for me and I want to get into the team and cement my place now.”

On his United future, Poole added: “It’s a massive jump and I struggled when I first went there because it was a huge step for me from Newport to Manchester United.

“But now I’ve started to find my feet and I’ve settled in really well now and I’m enjoying.

“I did get on for the first team [last season] and that is the aim now.

“I’m looking to play every week for the under-21s and we can build on that than.”

Wales under-21s play their penultimate qualification match in Bangor on Tuesday against Luxembourg at the Bangor University Stadium (kick-off 5pm).

And they conclude their campaign in Armenia on Tuesday, October 11, as they aim for second place in the group to keep alive their hopes of going to the tournament in Poland next summer.