Newport County Goalkeeper Nick Townsend Declines International Call-Up

Goalkeeper Nick Townsend has opted not to participate in international matches this week, choosing instead to remain with Newport County for their ongoing League Two season. The 30-year-old Townsend has decided to stay at home rather than add to his current total of 11 caps for Antigua and Barbuda. Nelson Jardim, Newport’s head coach, confirmed Townsend’s choice, stating: “Nick has decided not to go. We always leave that down to the players. He has done that in the past, he has decided not to go for the good of the team, so we have one more option.” Townsend, who was born in Solihull, is eligible to represent Antigua and Barbuda due to his grandfather. Establishing his eligibility was a four-year process that required DNA tests to confirm his heritage, as names were missing from birth certificates. His debut for Antigua and Barbuda occurred in 2022 against Barbados. He also declined an international summons last season, aiming to maintain his position within the Exiles squad. Last month, Townsend participated with the Benna Boys when they experienced consecutive 5-0 losses to the Dominican Republic during the CONCACAF Nations League. During the current international break, Townsend will not be available for Nations League fixtures: an away game in Bermuda on Saturday and a home match against Dominica on Tuesday, 19 January. Townsend holds the undisputed position as Newport’s primary goalkeeper, ahead of 23-year-old Jacob Carney. Jardim is expected to benefit significantly from having the former Birmingham City goalkeeper available for Saturday’s League Two home fixture against Grimsby Town. Following an promising start to their season, Newport has secured only one victory in their most recent six League Two matches, including a 2-1 defeat at Tranmere last Saturday. Furthermore, Townsend will be available for the Bristol Street Motors EFL Trophy match on Tuesday night, which will be played away at Reading.