NEWPORT County's head of youth development Glyn Jones today expressed his delight as two of his young guns get ready for the ultimate honour, writes Michael Pearlman.

Jones, who is in charge of the hugely successful Hartridge Newport Football Academy, will tonight see Chris Hartland and Dan Harrison in action for the Welsh Schools U18 side.

Wales host the Republic of Ireland at Llanelli's Stebonheath Park, (kick-off 7pm) and striker Hartland and central defender Harrison are both tipped to feature.

Hartland already has two Welsh caps to his name while Harrison will make his bow after impressing this term, even featuring for the first team in Setanta Shield action.

It's yet another boost for the next generation of County stars and Jones is understandably proud. He explained: "It is a fantastic achievement for the two of them and we are all thrilled.

"They've both been in the academy for two years and have both had outstanding seasons.

"It vindicates what we are trying to do, we feel it is vital to develop from the grassroots."

County have youngsters training with them from the ages of 8-16, at which point the cream are kept on and used in the academy, a joint venture between the club and Hartridge High School.

Obviously, the ultimate aim is to produce players ready for first team action and since the rebirth of Newport County AFC more than 30 players have made the grade from the academy.

Of course the best example of this is Mr Newport County' Nathan Davies, who has already played over 300 games for the club despite being just 25.

"Nathan is certainly the example to follow, I don't think our fans would mind if we find a few more like him," said Jones.

"With the club doing better in the league it makes it harder to get players through, but the manager (Peter Beadle) shows a great interest in the academy.

"He is always ready to send players out to get games, like he's done with Kris Leek who is doing well at Clevedon. We are very proud of the set-up we have, I often get calls from football league clubs asking us for friendlies and that is fantastic."

County are currently fourth in the South West Counties Division One, though they have a game in hand on league leaders Cirencester who they trail by three points.