NEWPORT County boss Justin Edinburgh is expecting to keep hold of defender Regan Poole until close to the end of the January transfer window, but admits he’d like to keep him longer.

The 16-year old scholar is closing in on a move to Fulham, confirmed to Argus Sport by Cottagers boss Kit Symons after their 1-0 loss to Cardiff on Saturday, after they agreed a fee with the Exiles.

However, after starring for the Exiles as they moved into the automatic promotion berths in League Two on Saturday with a hard fought 1-0 win over Portsmouth, Edinburgh admits he’s in no rush to see the youngster depart.

Symons has already explained that Poole isn’t ready for first team football at Craven Cottage and with County flying high Edinburgh’s preference is for the youngster who had a trial at Manchester United to continue with County on loan until the end of the campaign.

And even if that doesn’t happen, Edinburgh is confident Poole hasn’t played his last game for Newport.

“I don’t think he’s played his last game, he’ll be here for a little while yet, there are things to be continued and discussed, but I think he’ll be here for more time yet.

“I was asked the question on Friday about him possibly being loaned back but I’m not sure if it’ll be the case and we have to wait and see.

“The deal is nearly concluded but with international clearance and one or two bits and pieces it’s not entirely straight forward, he is moving from a scholar to professional contract.

“There is more to this one than meets the eye than with a standard transfer and he might be here for a couple more weeks yet.”

Edinburgh felt his side deserved their hard fought three points and admits reaching the automatic promotion berths is a nice reward after Mark Byrne’s goal sent County third in Sky Bet League Two.

“We wanted to embrace the occasion and did, a typical tenacious fourth division game where the crowd got behind us from start to finish and at times it wasn’t pretty but I don’t expect it always will be.

“But in the second half I felt we made use of the extra man at the back with Yakubu and Poole tearing out of defence and it made a difference.

“The back three were resilient and strong and determined and so was everyone in front of them. It was another really pleasing team performance.

“Being in the top three is rewarding and we are pleased and will enjoy being there, but the hard work has only just begun in trying to stay there and that’s our aim, that’s our standard that we’ve set and we need to continue what we’ve been doing.”