NEWPORT County AFC defender Ben White has been ruled out of tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth-round replay against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley with a thigh injury.

White, who is on loan from Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion, was left out of Saturday’s defeat at Colchester United as a precaution.

A scan has since revealed a strain, meaning the 20-year-old will definitely miss the trip to Wembley and possibly the League Two clash with Forest Green Rovers this weekend.

“It’s unfortunate,” said Flynn. “Ben would have played and I’m absolutely gutted for the boy because he really is a special kid.

“It would have been his chance to test himself on the biggest stage so I’m devastated for him.

“With the loyalty he’s shown and with his performances this season he deserved to step out at Wembley and make himself and his family proud.

“But I’m sure if he keeps improving and doing the right things he’ll play there for England so I don’t think he needs to panic too much.

“And it gives someone else the chance to stake a claim and play at Wembley.”

Flynn expects the defender to be fit to return at some point next week.

“He had a scan yesterday and it’s not too bad,” added Flynn.

“He might not be back for the weekend but I’m hoping that he’ll be available for one of the games next week.

“He would probably want to go out there and play on one leg and he wanted to play at Colchester as well but it’s a good job we said no and erred on the side of caution because he had the scan and it’s a slight strain.

“It’s nothing bad but I’ll never risk the health and the careers of my players.”

David Pipe has recovered from his hamstring strain and could replace Swansea City loanee Tyler Reid against Spurs.

“Pipey is fine and raring to go,” added Flynn.

“He was 80 per cent on Saturday and that’s why we kept him on the bench.

“I think we missed him on Saturday so it will be good to have him back.”