THE talk at the moment is all about Wales' clash with England - but don't tell Newport County boss John Cornforth.

The new manager insisted that the only way his County squad will get to see the game is if they gain at least a point at Margate today (KO 1.0pm).

"If we don't get a result then we will be straight on the bus and back to Wales," Cornforth said, only half jokingly. "If I am happy with the result then I might let them stay in Margate and watch the game, so it depends on them really.

"I am not really concerned about the Wales game to be honest, I am more focused on getting it right for Newport because we have a tough match to contend with."

The former Swansea hero is no stranger to international football having been capped twice by Wales after becoming one of the first players to benefit from the grandparents ruling in the mid-Nineties along with Vinnie Jones.

Cornforth, (pictured) whose grandmother was from Tonypandy, said: "I was aware that I could be selected before I joined Swansea but did not expect to get brought into the squad because I was playing in the second division.

"So it was fantastic to be involved. I played twice against Bulgaria and Georgia and played against guys like Hristo Stoichkov and Georgie Kinkladze.

"I was also on the bench against Germany, who had Jurgen Klinsmann in the side. They were great experiences and not many players get the chance to get international caps."

The Geordie admits to having split loyalties today as England take on Wales but he insists that he is rooting for a Wales win.

He said: "It might sound strange but I hope Wales win. I can't take all the hype that surrounds the England team and after my time in Wales and the fact that a lot of my friends in football are Welsh, including big John Hartson and Chris Coleman, means that I will support Wales."

Despite those fond memories, Cornforth is adopting tunnel-vision for County's Margate test.

"We have got to be professional and go about our job properly," he said. "I have been told the away form has not been great this season and that is what we will be looking to improve.

"Margate have been watched and they play a 5-3-2 formation, so it won't be that easy to get through but we can change our shape as well."

County are 16th place in the Nationwide South and one point behind their opponents but take into the game a decent run of form.

They are unbeaten in their last three matches, including a 2-2 draw with Hornchurch and despite some injury doubts surrounding Nathan Davies and Ashley Williams, with be looking to gain at least a point.

That way, they might just be allowed to watch a certain international match.