NEWPORT County AFC playmaker Josh Sheehan has the technical talent to rival Wales' top stars and fits right into Ryan Giggs' blueprint, according to the man who could hand him a first cap this evening.

The Exiles midfielder has been rewarded for a superb start to the League Two season with a first call-up to the national squad.

The 25-year-old from Pembrey will hope to make his international bow tonight's friendly against the USA at the Liberty Stadium, a fixture that is followed by Nations League encounters with the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

Sheehan might be playing club football in the fourth tier but the midfielder has the ability to mix it with Gareth Bale, David Brooks and Jonny Williams, believes the man calling the shots for the next three games.

Free Press Series:

"Technically he is up there with some of the best players that we have got here," said caretaker boss Robert Page, who is standing in for Giggs after the former Manchester United star was arrested over allegations of assault.

"Josh can pass, he can see a pass, he's not afraid to play it forward and take those chances. When Ryan first came into this set-up we asked for penetrating runs in behind and players with the ability to find those passes – Josh falls into that category.

"This has given us an opportunity to get him in camp and have a look first-hand to see what he is about. We've not been disappointed by what we have seen so far."

Sheehan, who is joined in the senior squad by County goalkeeper Tom King, played for Wales at under-19 and under-21 level when coming through the ranks at Swansea.

The midfielder first arrived at Rodney Parade on loan in 2016 and, after suffering a serious knee injury, made the move permanent in January 2018.

County's superb start to the season, both in League Two and when claiming the scalps of Swansea and Watford in a Carabao Cup run that was ended by Newcastle on penalties, has led to the Wales management finally bringing Sheehan in.

Free Press Series:

"We always knew that Josh was a good talent at Swansea and have monitored his progress from afar over the last few years," said Page, who was Wales Under-21 boss before joining Giggs' staff in the summer of 2019.

"We saw him play against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, which was a game I thought Newport should have won, and we had a look at Brandon Cooper that night as well, who is a young centre-half that I know from the Under-21s.

"We were really impressed by Josh and he has deserved this opportunity to be part of it. He has come in and given a great account of himself.

"Like any other player on that park, if he trains well, and we know he's been playing well in a good Newport team, then he stands a chance (of playing). He will certainly be considered."