LOAN star Ben White is proving such a hit at Newport County AFC that manager Michael Flynn wishes he could clone the Brighton & Hove Albion defender.

The teenager showed his class again on Tuesday night as he helped County to a 2-1 win at Crawley Town that lifted them to seventh in the League Two table.

And White’s performance was even more impressive as he started the match at left-back before moving to the middle of defence when Mark O’Brien was forced off and again to right-back after David Pipe was withdrawn.

Flynn is certain that the 19-year-old will go on to be a Premier League regular and play for England.

“I wish I had three of him! I want to clone him,” said the Exiles boss.

“He’s outstanding and he’s fitting in with the ethics that we have at the club.

“His attitude is outstanding. He trains every day with the right attitude and the kid has got a bright future.

“I don’t like putting pressure on people but I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t get a full international cap.”

Flynn secured White on a season-long loan from Brighton in August and he hopes he can keep hold of the Seagulls prospect.

“I think it suits Brighton that he comes out and gets some experience and it’s definitely suiting us because he’s been brilliant,” added the manager.

“He’s learning about real football here and the consequences of it being a results business, the physicality of League football – the horrible part of the game.

“The one thing I was worried about was could he tackle and a couple of weeks ago at home he went in for a 50-50 in, won the ball and put a 40-yard pass on someone’s chest.

“I’m glad we’ve got him for the whole year because he’s an outstanding talent and somebody who I’ve got a lot of time for because of his attitude as well.”

Mickey Demetriou, who scored both goals on Tuesday night, is also a big fan of his teammate.

“He’s a very good player,” he said. “I didn’t know much about him beforehand but he’s come in and done really well.

“He’s a top quality player. We’re lucky to have him and he’s proving his worth.

“I played with [Brighton defender] Lewis Dunk at that age and Ben is very similar.

“Hopefully Brighton can leave him here and we’ll keep him for the rest of the season.”

South Wales Argus:

White (above) says he’s enjoying the experience of getting regular games in League Two and he’s impressed with the commitment of the County fans.

“It’s amazing – playing and winning games,” he said.

“I love the atmosphere and the crowd that come every week.

“It’s better than playing in front of a few people in the 23s. It’s an amazing experience.

“You can hear the crowd and it’s nice when you are really under the cosh and you hear the fans.

“The people here have all been amazing,” he added. “Especially the gaffer.

“A couple of other clubs at this level were wanting me on loans.

“But as soon as I spoke to him I knew I wanted to come to Newport.

“I like the togetherness. We win, we lose, but we are all the team and we go again next week.”