NEWPORT County AFC loan star Regan Poole is hoping to shine on the big stage at Wembley as he targets a place in the Wales senior squad.

Poole has won 15 caps at under-21 level but has yet to make the step up to Ryan Giggs’ squad.

The 20-year-old trained with the seniors ahead of the friendly against Mexico in California 12 months ago but did not make the final cut.

Poole, who became the youngest player in County’s history when he made his debut aged just 16 in September 2014, has been a big success since returning on loan from Manchester United in January.

He’s helped the Exiles to keep 13 clean sheets in 25 appearances as they reached the FA Cup fifth round and sealed a place in the League Two play-offs.

South Wales Argus:

After overcoming Mansfield Town on penalties in last Sunday’s semi-final second leg, with Poole converting from the spot (above), the final on May 25 comes at the perfect time for him to impress Giggs.

The national manager names his squad for next month’s Euro 2020 qualifiers in Croatia and Hungary on May 29 and Poole is hoping to team up with fellow youngsters Dan James, David Brooks and Ethan Ampadu.

“I’ve played with them for a long time now and it’s great to see them go on and play in the Premier League and the Championship,” said the United youngster.

“What more can you ask for at such a young age? They’ve kicked on and done really well and that’s obviously the aim for all of us young players.

“It’s great to see them playing for Wales as well, and what a time it is to be playing for the national team.”

James, a former under-21 teammate of Poole’s, was the star in the last qualifier as he scored the only goal in the 1-0 win over Slovakia in March.

“We saw them against Slovakia – they were very good,” he added.

“Dan James scored and it’s great for him.

“It’s really exciting for Welsh fans and it’s great to see, because some of them are my friends as well.

“They moved on now, though,” he added. “They’re in the first-team group chat on WhatsApp, which I’m not in, so I don’t really speak to them that much anymore!

“That is the aim – to get added to that group!”

South Wales Argus:

Poole’s Exiles teammate David Pipe, who won one cap for Wales back in 2003, believes the young defender has shown the qualities needed to succeed.

“I think he’s good enough to play at a higher level,” said Pipe.

“He’s obviously progressed by being at one of the best clubs in the world.

“He’s got the technical ability and the mental fortitude to play at whatever levels he wants to.

“He just needs the opportunity and then he needs to take the opportunity.

“If he keeps acquitting himself like he does day in and day out here then I’ve got no doubts that he can go higher.

“Hopefully he’ll play for Wales as well,” added Pipe.

“They’ve got a very good squad and he’s what I call a footballer.

“I’m more of a defender, but he can play how the Welsh side likes to play so I’m sure his name will be floating around the squad, depending on where he progresses to.”

Poole revealed last month that he faces a decision on his Old Trafford future this summer.

“My contract is up at the end of the season, but the club has got an option to extend [for another year],” he explained.

“If they take it up, they take it up. If not, I’m not too sure what my plan is. We’ll see what happens.

“It could be a big summer, but I’m happy with how my loan has gone and hopefully [United will want to keep me].”