NEWPORT County AFC captain Andrew Crofts has not given up hope of representing Wales again, despite dropping down to League Two this summer.

The 34-year-old midfielder, who joined County from League One Scunthorpe United last month, has won 29 caps since making his international debut in 2005.

His last appearance came as a substitute in Chris Coleman’s final match in charge – the 1-1 friendly against Panama in November 2017.

But he has been on standby for two squads since Ryan Giggs took over as national manager in January and Kent-born Crofts, who qualifies for Wales through his grandparents, is still hopeful that he can win cap number 30.

“To represent your country is always an honour,” he said.

“I’ve been on standby for the last two squads as a League One player, which I was a little bit surprised about because it was a strong squad but that was a real positive.

“I’ll always make myself available. I know it’s going to be tough when you’re playing in League Two but I’ll just be concentrating on my football with Newport and watching to see how Wales do because I think they’ll keep progressing under Giggs.

“I don’t think I’ll ever retire from international football,” he added.

“Obviously there’s going to be a point when I’m not going to play football again but hopefully that’s a long time away.”

Crofts was limited to six appearances for Scunthorpe last season but he’s confident he’s looking forward to making a big contribution for Michael Flynn’s team.

“The year before I played 51 games so I’m used to playing football,” he said. “I love playing football.

“I want to play every game. That’s me. I don’t like missing games and I think every player should be the same really.”

Crofts played with Exiles boss Flynn at Gillingham between 2005 and 2007 and their close relationship was key to his decision to move to Rodney Parade.

“It was massive,” he said. “I had a good relationship with him as a player and I know what he’s about. I know his passion.

“He wants to win every game and that’s no different to me.

“We had talks early on and I didn’t really want to drop down a division but I’ve done that for a reason – to work for the gaffer, to work for a Welsh club and hopefully do well.

“I’m enjoying it,” he added. “It’s been a really easy group to get on with and there’s ambitious players in there that want to do well in their careers.

“If I can help guide them it’s something that I like doing and I’m enjoying it.”

That experience was the main factor in Flynn deciding to hand Crofts the captain’s armband for the 2018-2019 campaign.

“To captain any team is a great honour,” he said.

“Everyone knows my relationship with the gaffer and to be captain of a Welsh team after representing Wales 29 times is a massive honour for me.

“I’ve done it before and I enjoy that responsibility and I can’t wait to guide the boys and help them with all sorts of things.”