FORMER Newport County AFC defender Fraser Franks admits tomorrow’s League Two play-off final will be a bittersweet experience for him.

Franks made 34 appearances for County this season before he was forced to retire due to a heart issue.

The 28-year-old is hoping to be at Wembley to support his former teammates against Tranmere Rovers, as long as wife Stacey is not in labour.

“Playing at Wembley is something I didn’t get to achieve,” said Franks.

“I was captaining the side. I possibly would have led the team out at Wembley.

“I was captaining the side. I possibly would have led the team out at Wembley.

“As soon as they got through to the play-off final they phoned me on the coach home,” he told the Times.

“They still try to keep me involved and tell me that I’ve played a big part.

“It will be a little bit bittersweet. But some of my best mates are in that team, and I want them and the club to be successful.

“I’ll be there cheering them on. I don’t think there’s any point in regrets. I’m able to leave the game healthy, which is more than some people.”

South Wales Argus:

Meanwhile, County winger Keanu Marsh-Brown is dreaming of the perfect ending to a perfect week after the birth of his first child on Monday.

Marsh-Brown and his partner Natasha welcomed little Athalia into the world just four days ago and now the 26-year-old is aiming to help County secure promotion.

“It’s the proudest moment of my life,” he told the club website.

“My daughter being born into the world is the most amazing feeling and my partner, Natasha, did amazing. It’s a surreal feeling.

“Securing promotion would put the cherry on the cake and make it a perfect week. 

“My first child being born and winning a play-off final against Tranmere Rovers would just top a perfect week, month and season.

“I’m available,” he added. “I went back into training with the boys on Wednesday and I’m fit and ready to play. I’m ready if I’m called upon to start or ready to come off the bench.”

Marsh-Brown scored a spectacular goal in the 2016 National League play-off final as Forest Green Rovers lost to Padraig Amond’s Grimsby Town.

But he was back at Wembley 12 months later to help Forest Green beat Tranmere and he’s hoping to get the better of the Birkenhead boys again today.

“Playing at Wembley is something I like doing,” he said.

“I’ve played there twice before – including beating Tranmere in a play-off final – so it’ll be good to do it again.

"We won 3-1 and got Forest Green Rovers promoted into the Football League for the first time in their history.

"It was just an amazing feeling and I want to experience that again. I know we can do it with the players we have here and if we get an early goal, it’ll set things alight and we’ll push on from there."

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