COUNTY V YORK, FA Trophy final, Wembley, May 12

NEWPORT County’s newest teen star Lee Evans is dreaming of scoring the goal that wins the FA Trophy at Wembley.

The 17-year-old was the star man in Saturday’s defeat at AFC Barrow and has forced his way into manager Justin Edin-burgh’s thinking for the final with a string of eye-catching performances.

Evans made his first team debut for County against Cambridge United in March and Saturday’s match was only his third senior appearance. But Edinburgh has already handed the former Bettws High School pupil a contract for next season and is now talking about the youngster playing a big part on May 12.

It’s a lot for any player to take in but Evans is relishing being a part of the build up to the club’s first ever appearance at Wembley.

“It’s been a long season in the youth team and to get a chance in the first team has been great,” he said.

“I’ve just tried to take that chance and hopefully I’ll be involved at Wembley. If I’m in the starting eleven or even on the bench it would be a dream come true.

“It’s every footballer’s dream to play at Wembley and I’m just like all the boys now, I can’t wait for May 12.”

According to Edinburgh, his chances of playing against York City are good.

“Lee was outstanding from start to finish,” said the Exiles boss on Saturday.

“He’s in the front of my mind when it comes to selecting my team for May 12.”

Despite all the praise, Evans is keeping his feet on the ground.

“It’s always nice to hear the gaffer say nice things about you,” he said. “I’m just working hard for him and for the team.

“Hopefully people are pleased with how I’m playing but it’s not up to me if I play. All I can do is try my best and hope I earn my place in the team.

“I know I’ve got to keep my head down and work hard. I’ve only played in a couple of games but next season can be a big one for me.

“My three aims for the season were to get into the Wales under-18s team, to get onto the bench for County and to sign a new contract and I’ve achieved all three so it’s been a good year, but I know there is still a long way to go.”

Evans was close to claiming his first goal at Barrow on Saturday but was denied by a superb save by home goalkeeper Danny Hurst.

“I struck it well but the keeper pulled off a good save,” he explained. “It would have been great to get my first goal for my home town club but maybe I’ll save it for Wembley. That would be special.

“I’ve got a lot of friends and family going down. We only had two comps so they had to go to my mum and dad and then everyone else was on my case for a ticket. It’s going to be a great day for everyone.”