AFC Telford United will have to cope without Sean Newton if they are to retain the Shropshire Senior Cup.

The left back has elected to take his place in England’s ‘C’ squad for the away clash with Poland’s under 23s on Tuesday.

Newton was left with a club-versus-country dilemma with the Shropshire Senior Cup final against Shrewsbury being played on the same night at the New Bucks Head.

Newton, who joined Telford from Barrow in the summer in a move which saw Gareth Jellyman head in the other direction, held talks with Bucks officials last night before reaching his decision.

“Sean is going to go with England,” manager Rob Smith confirmed today.

“It was a difficult one because we wanted to keep Sean for the game but it’s a chance for the lad to represent his country.

“We left the decision with Sean and I totally understand his choice. He goes with our blessing.”

Telford will be hoping not to lose their other full back as well, with Lee Vaughan on the standby list for the squad.

The Bucks will be looking to retain the trophy having defeated Shrewsbury on penalties at the Prostar Stadium in July.

Meanwhile, Carl Rodgers and Andy Brown both missed training last night after playing through the pain barrier in Saturday’s FA Cup defeat to Lincoln.

But Smith remains hopeful both will be fit for this weekend’s visit of Vauxhall Motors.

By JAMES GARRISON