LEE EVANS believes the Championship has made a man of him as he bids to become a regular player for his country.

The Newport-born midfielder will become the first Newport County AFC produced player to represent Wales if he is involved in Sunday’s European Championship, Group B qualifying match in Belgium.

And the Wolves midfielder confesses that the Championship has seen him take his game to new heights, having played at Wembley for Newport as just a 17-year old.

“Since I’ve left Newport I’ve had ups and downs, last season I was in and out of the team, though I did make over 30 appearances and this year I’ve just wanted to become one of those regular first team players that the manager calls upon,” Evans told the Argus in an exclusive interview.

“But I have to play well or I’ll be out the side I know that and League One to Championship is a huge step up, I made a mistake at Ipswich recently and it cost us a goal, no ifs or buts, you might get away with it in League One or Two, but not in the Championship.”

Evans is hopeful he might get a chance in Belgium and his club manager Kenny Jackett is convinced he’ll be ready.

“If anything happens in terms of getting game time, that’d be a huge bonus, but I’m just looking to get my head down and impress people,” Evans explained.

“Most players first call-up might be a friendly, but I’ve got a competitive game against one of the best international teams in world football at the moment in Belgium. The whole thing is a massive opportunity for me.”

Jackett agrees. “It (being capped) will give him encouragement because he has deserved that,” he told the Wolverhampton Express and Star.

“He’s thrived in the Championship because he has the physical side of the game, range of passing and can tackle.

“We think he’ll be a good player for us if he keeps improving.

“It’s great for him - he deserves it. Should he get opportunity it will be great for him and us at 20-years-old.] He would love to get his first cap. He’s tough mentally and physically,” said Jackett, who won 31 caps for Wales himself as a player.

Evans is boosted by having a little slice of Molineux life, his unofficial big brother Sam Ricketts, also in Coleman’s squad.

“Having Sam around is a boost for me, it’s nice for me, it’s a bit of similarity from Wolves and I know he’s a good man to learn from because he’s been here many, many times. I always try and listen to his advice, I always do.”