South East Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport County will be without Matt Baker for Monday's League Two trip to Bradford City due to his Wales international call-up.

Baker, 21, will be with the Wales Under-21 squad preparing for their crunch Euro 2025 qualifier with Czech Republic, at Rodney Parade, in Newport on Friday, 11 October.

Newport head coach Nelson Jardim did inquire as to whether under-21s skipper Baker might be able to play in the Bradford game before joining up with the national squad.

But under-21 boss Matty Jones, a good friend of Jardim's, wants all his players in camp from the start of the week for a match which could see Wales qualify for the under-21 finals for the first time in their history.

And despite the absence of the consistent Baker, who joined permanently from Stoke City in the summer, Jardim understands the situation.

He says the absence of any player would "disturb" preparations for a significant international.

"They are on grass from Monday," said Jardim.

"As a coach I know it's important to have all your players available, that is no different for Matt so he will be there on Monday."

Baker has played predominantly as a centre-back for Newport this season.

The Exiles will go to Valley Parade looking to build on back-to-back victories in League Two. Tuesday's 3-1 home win over Salford City followed a 2-1 success against Crewe last Saturday, with Baker heading the winning goal.

Captain James Clarke is close to a return having been out since late August after a leg injury. He will be assessed over the weekend as Jardim contemplates his starting line-up without Baker.

Jardim said: "I think it's a big thing when you play for your country. I know that. I told him make sure you are focused and the best you can be for your country.

"Matt is happy for that. Every player is just proud and we are also proud we have a player like him playing for Wales in such an important and exciting period for the under-21s with Matty Jones, who is someone I like.

"He is a friend of mine, a good coach, a really good guy. I wish them all the best and Matt [Baker] will be there helping the country."

Ciaran Brennan, who returned from suspension on the bench against Salford, is also vying for a starting place at Bradford.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Matt Grimes believes Joe Allen's international return can "only be positive" for Wales.

Midfielder Allen retired from international duty little more than two months after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but has been included in Craig Bellamy's squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Iceland and Montenegro.

And Swansea City captain Grimes says Allen's international recall will provide a "massive boost" to the Wales squad.

"He's an unbelievable guy and an unbelievable player," Grimes told BBC Sport Wales.

"I think it's a massive boost for Wales and their lads because he's just a brilliant player. It can only be positive.

"Joe gives you so much more than just the football. He's an unbelievable leader and character on and off the pitch, just having him there with his experience is unbelievable."

Grimes has been a mainstay for the Swans since they were relegated from the Premier League in 2018.

The Swansea skipper is now one of the key senior figures under Luke Williams, although he admits the experience of Allen and Kyle Naughton have been hugely beneficial when it comes to improving his own leadership qualities.

"I learn off a lot of the senior players that have been here over the years," added Grimes.

"Joe and Naughts are the two now, they've done everything in their careers.

"They've played at the highest level. You'd be a fool if you didn't draw inspiration from them."