WALES manager Chris Coleman says there is no reason why Newport County AFC defender Darcy Blake cannot resurrect his international career.

The 25-year-old won the last of his 14 caps in Wales' 2-0 defeat to Croatia in a World Cup qualifier in October 2012.

Blake was released by Crystal Palace in January and joined County on a non-contract basis until the end of the season last month, when he spoke of his hope of playing for Wales again

He contributed to clean sheets against Torquay United and Bury before being sent off for picking up two yellow cards in Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Portsmouth.

"Darcy's certainly got the ability, it's how much he wants [it]," Coleman told BBC Wales.

"He's got the ability to play higher, no disrespect to Newport.

"He's proved that, he's played for Wales at a high level and played for Cardiff in the Championship.

"He's certainly got the ability as a defender, he's got to show that he wants to do it consistently.

"If he does that then he'll certainly be a good player for Newport at that level.

"If he keeps doing the business then he'll play higher with Newport or with somebody else."