Huw Evans Picture Agency
Image caption,
Nick Townsend has won eight caps for Antigua and Barbuda since 2022
BBC- Goalkeeper Nick Townsend says he has chosen not to join up with Antigua and Barbuda in order to concentrate on his Newport County form.
Townsend, 29, was due to be involved in the two World Cup qualifiers against Dominica and Bermuda in September.
But like last season, he has elected to stay in Wales where he has helped County win their last three matches in League Two.
“I did the same as last year, my little girl has just started nursery and I need to be at home as well,” said Townsend.
“There’s a lot of things going on at the moment, and who wouldn’t want to be in Wales with this lovely rain we’ve got at the moment?
“Same as last year, with the run we’re on at the moment, I don’t want to be missing out.
“I feel like we’re creating something good and, being selfish, I want to try and keep my spot because you know what Jacob [Carney] is like, if he does come in and has a chance, I don’t want to be losing out”.
A win at home to Port Vale on Saturday could see Newport go top of League Two, if other results go their way.
County go in to Saturday’s game off the back of a 1-0 win at Morecambe, with Townsend widely praised for a spectacular save during that game.
“To be honest with you, I thought I’ve had better ones than that,” added Townsend.
“It’s a save at the end of the day, I think I was more shocked than anything that it didn’t go in, it hit my hand and gone over. It was more of a reaction save than anything.
“If many are saying it’s the save of the season, I’ll take it already”.
It has been an encouraging start for the club under new head coach Nelson Jardim.
The Portuguese boss has encouraged Townsend and his team mates to play a more possession-based, passing game rather than a more direct style.
“It’s the complete opposite from last year when I was trying to kick it as far as I could and relieve pressure,” said Townsend.
“It’s totally different, more mentally, being brave, but at the same time we don’t want to be in a position where we are conceding goals from it.
“We’ve got to find a good balance between it all, when to play and when not to play. We try to make ourselves better as a team and show other teams, coaches and fans what we can do.
“It’s a lot more pressure but as a footballer that’s what you want, you perform your best when there is a bit of pressure”.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua! We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.Contact us at [email protected]
