AS NEWPORT County AFC hunt an away win in League Two this weekend, defender Matt Baker will chase a Rodney Parade win to create history with Wales Under-21s.

The Welsh youngsters take on Czech Republic in Newport on Friday (kick-off 5.30pm) with the hope of taking a big step towards the European Championships.

Matty Jones’ side are currently second in Group I behind Denmark and a positive result will either secure a play-off spot or automatic qualification for the finals in Slovakia next year.

The Danes would then have to respond by matching or bettering that result against Iceland on Tuesday.

Wales have never qualified for the European Championships and Baker will be to the fore in the effort to make history.

The 21-year-old from Kent, who signed a permanent deal with County his summer after two spells on loan from Stoke, will be at the heart of the defence.

Wales U21s' Matt Baker in action at Rodney ParadeWales U21s' Matt Baker in action at Rodney Parade (Image: David Davies)

“It makes us even more hungry to qualify. To be the first Welsh U21s group to qualify would be a proud moment for all of us,” he said.

“I don't think any of that extra stuff fazes us, we know what we need to do and we are all confident in winning the game. It would be a proud moment for all of us.”

Baker is one of the players in the side to have prospered from dropping down to get regular football.

The versatile defender, who is primarily a centre-back but can play on the right or in midfield, has made 67 appearances for County since first arriving in January 2023.

The Exiles have benefited from a talented player who is determined to climb the leagues after dropping down to the fourth tier and Wales have also reaped the rewards.

“When you are playing week in and week out you can get into good form and build confidence,” he said. “It’s tough when you are on the bench and not playing every week.”

Baker will miss County’s trip to Harrogate and then his club will have to assess what role he can play in the home fixture against Chesterfield next week.

Wales have a friendly in Slovakia on Tuesday and the Exiles host the Spireites in a fixture moved to Friday to avoid a clash with the Dragons versus Benetton.