NEWPORT County AFC academy star Regan Poole represented Wales under-17s in today’s friendly against the Czech Republic at Dragon Park in Newport.

Poole has played seven times for the County senior side in League Two and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy this season and attracted interest from a host of clubs, including Manchester United and Fulham.

The 16-year-old started in central defence for Geraint Williams’ under-17s national side in the first of two friendly matches against the Czechs this week.

The match at the National Football Development Centre ended in a 1-1 draw with Liam Cullen cancelling out Krejdl Daniel's opener for the visitors.

The two teams meet again at the Centre of Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach on Thursday (kick-off 11am).

The friendly internationals will be used as preparation the UEFA Under-17 Championship Elite Round to be held in Russia next month.

The Welsh youngsters play the Russians on March 21, Austria on March 23 and Iceland on March 26, all in Krasnador.

If Poole is involved he would miss County’s trips to Plymouth Argyle and Accrington Stanley.

The County youngster, who also represented Wales under-17s in Belarus before Christmas, has received further recognition with the news that he has been shortlisted for the Football League Apprentice of the Year award.

He is the only 16-year-old on the shortlist for an award that is usually given to a second year or first year professional.