ANDREW Powell will celebrate his selection for Wales A against Argentina tonight by signing a new contract with Newport which will keep him at the club until at least 2004.

Powell makes his major representative debut for Wales A after just 10 appearances at No 8 in senior rugby.

He still qualifies for the under-21s and his ambition at the start of this season was to be capped at that level.

He signed an 11-month contract for Newport after being a development player last season, but he is about to commit himself firmly to the club after a brilliant start to his career.

He admits that a number of other clubs were interested in signing him during the summer, but he now ends all speculation about his future.

Ive been offered a contract until 2004. Clubs were asking about me in the summer, but Newport have looked after me so now Ill pay them back, he said.

The way Newport are going theyll be a hell of a club in two years time, he added in a reference to the black and amber army of eight Newport players in the 22 for tonight.

Powell, from Brecon and a former Llandovery College product, has shown remarkable maturity for a 20-year-old and, without putting undue pressure on him, he could easily go all the way.

Its been a big 10 weeks for me, but Im coping quite easily and Im enjoying it, he said. The hardest game Ive played was against Swansea because it was more physical than the rest.

Id love to go all the way and I hope to do it if I keep making steady progress.

Its a brilliant feeling to be chosen for the A team. Its all happened so quickly its hard to believe, but Ill be keeping my feet on the ground.

Newports Andy Marinos and Matthew Watkins are partnered in the centre while Ben Breeze comes from nowhere into the A team.

Up front Chris Anthony and Ian Gough both play, Gough warming up for a Wales recall after being out for five months with a damaged shoulder. Jonathan Pritchard and Jason Forster are replacements.

Wales A: G Henson (Swansea), G Wyatt (Pontypridd), M Watkins, A Marinos, B Breeze (all Newport), N Robinson (Cardiff), H Harries (Bridgend) captain, M Madden (Llanelli), M Davies (Pontypridd), C Anthony, I Gough (Newport), C Stephens, N Budgett, J Ringer (Bridgend), A Powell (Newport). Replacements: J Pritchard (Newport), L Jarvis (Neath), B Williams (Bath), A Lewis (Cardiff), B Evans (Swansea), C Billen (E Vale), J Forster (Newport). Kick-off 7.35pm.