NEWPORT County AFC’s bid to avoid relegation received a massive boost today with the news that Josh Sheehan’s loan stay has been extended until the end of the season.

But while the 21-year-old will remain at Rodney Parade for the League Two run-in, fellow midfielder Mark Randall looks to be on his way out after asking to be placed on the transfer list.

Randall, who joined the Exiles last summer, is expecting the birth of his second child and wants to be closer to his family in Milton Keynes.

As for Sheehan, originally brought to Newport by former boss Warren Feeney in August, he is looking forward to the rest of his stay.

He said: “I am pleased to have extended my loan with the club until the end of the season.

“I am enjoying my playing time and look forward to improving whilst helping Newport County AFC.”

Current County chief Graham Westley added: “Josh is our top goal scorer and I’m sure that I’m not alone in thinking that it was important to keep him on board as we strengthened elsewhere in this January window.

“I am delighted that he chose to stay and am greatly appreciative of the help that Alan Curtis, Nigel Rees, his agent and all at Swansea have given to make his extended stay possible.

“Swansea’s support of their young players is a credit to the football club.”

On Randall, a club spokesman said: “Mark wants to return to his family home in Milton Keynes so that he has family support around during the birth of his second child.

“The manager has decided to understand the issues that Mark is facing and support his personal situation.

“Although he has a great belief in Mark's outstanding technical abilities, he sees no value in ignoring the human aspect of a young man and his family.”