A FIXTURE change for television means Newport County AFC are without Matt Baker at Bradford City on Monday because the centre-back will be with Wales Under-21s.
The defender has been included in the squad for the final European Championships qualifier against Czech Republic at Rodney Parade next Friday (kick-off 5.30pm).
The Welsh youngsters, who could qualify for the finals for the first time with victory, start their preparations for that crucial clash at the start of the week that means the Exiles will be without Baker.
County asked whether it would be possible to have the 21-year-old for the game in Yorkshire – which has been moved to the Monday to be shown live on Sky Sports (kick-off 8pm) – but Wales want him in camp.
“It’s a big thing to play for your country and I told him to make sure he is focused to be the best he can,” said Newport head coach Nelson Jardim.
“We are proud that we have a player playing for Wales at such an important and exciting period for the under-21s under Matty Jones.
“It would disturb their preparations [if Baker linked up with them late] because they are on the grass on the Monday. As a coach I know how important it is to have all your players available, and that’s no different for Matty Jones.”
Baker will miss the game at Bradford and the return to Yorkshire to face Harrogate a week on Saturday.
With Wales having a friendly in Slovakia on Tuesday, the defender could also have his involvement limited for the Rodney Parade fixture against Chesterfield.
That game takes place on Friday, October 18 to avoid a clash with the Dragons’ game against Benetton in Newport.
Baker has been a firm fixture in Jardim’s side, making 10 appearances and playing predominantly as a central defender.
The promising prospect, who signed a permanent deal this summer after previously having two spells on loan at the club from Stoke, can also play right-back and as a sitting midfielder.
The blow of losing Baker is softened by the return from suspension of Ciaran Brennan, who was an unused substitute against Salford on Tuesday, and James Clarke.
Co-captain Clarke is nearing a return from injury and could even feature in the trip to Bradford if he comes through training.
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