A RISING Gwent football star is in hospital after a car crash with a lorry in Monmouth yesterday.

Four young Cardiff City players had to be cut from the wreckage following the crash, Blaenavon player Lloyd Jenkins, 18, received minor injuries and remains in Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny with Anthony Taylor, 19.

His team mate, midfielder, Nicky Fish, 21, is in intensive care in a stable condition and Stuart Fleetwood, 19, has been released.

The lorry driver escaped unhurt from the accident, which happened near the traffic lights on the northbound carriageway of the A40 in Monmouth. The collision happened at around 3.45pm and the road was closed until 7.30pm for police investigations.

Three ambulances attended and took the casualties to Nevill Hall Hospital.

A statement from Cardiff City Bluebirds read: "Cardiff City Football Club can confirm that four players were involved in a road traffic accident in Monmouth.

"We wish them all a full and speedy recovery. Nicky Fish, who also remains in hospital, is currently in a stable condition. Our thoughts are very much with him and his family at this time. The club would like to thank everyone for their support."

Police are re-appealing for information, any witnesses to the collision should call Gwent Police on 01633 838111 or the collision investigation unit on 01633 643091.

* A lorry driver was charged with dangerous driving today after a separate crash which left a tractor driver in hospital.

The tractor driver, a 51-year-old man was seriously injured and is at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, in a stable condition.

The accident happened at 9.30am yesterday on the A449 northbound carriageway about half a mile before the Usk turn-off.

The road was closed for a number of hours after the crash from the Coldra roundabout, Newport, and major tailbacks built up along the feeder roads.