NEWPORT County AFC defender Jay Foulston has joined Merthyr Town on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 18-year-old, who has so far made five appearances for the first team in the Carabao Cup and Checkatrade Trophy, is contracted at County until June 2020.

The move to the Martyrs, who play in the Southern League Premier Division South, is his first loan deal.

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Foulston said: "I am delighted to have joined Merthyr on loan and I can't wait to get started.

"Hopefully I can help them push on for promotion and gain valuable experience whilst I am with the club."

Exiles boss Michael Flynn is a big fan of the Wales under-19 international and previously compared him to Regan Poole, who left Rodney Parade for Manchester United in 2015.