Newport boss Michael Flynn has revealed how a shuddering tackle on Adam El-Abd told him all he needed to know about young Ben White.

Flynn has stood by his prediction that White will play for England.

The Albion defender could play some part against the club he served on loan in 2017-18 when they meet in the FA Cup tomorrow.

Flynn said: “Ben is the best loan that the club has ever had.

“I said that he would go on to play at the top level, which he has done, and I said that he will go on to play for England, which he will do.

“He is an exceptional lad. I was talking to him on Thursday night and I look forward to seeing him if he is down.

“I am very, very proud of him - he deserves all the credit because all we did was give him a platform to show what he can do.

“He took everything on board, wanted to improve and the sky is the limit when you have a young professional with the attitude and ability that he has got.”

Kevin Nicholls, a short-lived Albion loan signing back in 1999, is Flynn’s agent and, while he does not represent White, recommended the player to Newport’s boss.

Flynn said: “I spoke to Ben on the phone and had to convince him because there were a lot of clubs in for him.

“Thankfully we managed to do that and we were very fortunate to have a player of that ability at Newport.

“As soon as I saw a minute of his clips I didn’t really have to go and watch him because it was a no-brainer.

“There was a financial penalty attached to the loan if he didn’t play a certain amount of games that maybe could have scared the club but that didn’t even come into my head.

“I said they could double that if they wanted, because he was that good.

“I wasn’t surprised technically but how he handled men’s football and League Two did impress me.

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“If there was ever one doubt foe me, it was about him physically.

“After a game or two he had gone straight through the old Brighton defender Adam El-Abd in a 50/50, came out with the ball and hit a 60-yard diagonal ball straight to, I think, Frank Nouble’s feet.

“That put everything to bed and there were no worries at all.”