WALES Under-21s defender Aaron Lewis is yet to make his Newport County AFC debut but boss Michael Flynn insists he has been impressed by the Wales Under-21s debut.

The 22-year-old arrived at Rodney Parade on loan from Lincoln City on deadline day but his only match action since that move has been on international duty.

The versatile defender featured for Wales against Moldova and Germany, his last fixtures before leaving age-grade football.

But since returning Lewis has not featured in the matchday squads against Port Vale, Walsall, Salford or Forest Green.

"Aaron is fit but we can only have five loans in a matchday squad," said Flynn. "We knew that (when County signed him) and it's down to Aaron to get into it.

"He has been impressing and doing well, but so have the others. We make a decision that we think can get us the most points."

The five loanees at the New Lawn were defender Brandon Cooper and striker Jamie Proctor in the XI with midfielders Scott Twine and Jamie Devitt plus forward Saikou Janneh on an attacking bench.

South Wales Argus:

Lewis has featured in two matchday squads – at Carlisle in League Two and Leyton Orient in the FA Cup – but did not get on.

Liam Shephard and Ryan Haynes have cemented themselves as wing-backs while Ashley Baker got the nod ahead of Lewis in the XI at Orient.

The loan ruling has also impacted Bradley Webb, who signed from Bristol City in September. The 19-year-old defender has been limited to a pair of starts in the EFL Trophy.

County played a friendly against Cardiff City at the Bluebirds' training ground on Wednesday afternoon to give game time to those that haven't featured frequently.

The Championship side triumphed 3-0 thanks to goals by Kieron Evans (2) and Josh Murphy.

The County side included goalkeeper Tom King, defenders Lewis, Baker, Kyle Howkins and Webb, midfielders Robbie Willmott, Devitt and Lewis Collins plus forward Janneh.