MICHAEL Flynn would love to keep Alex Samuel at Newport County AFC if he becomes available this summer, writes Andrew Penman.

The 21-year-old forward has been on loan at Rodney Parade since January and is out of contract at his parent club Swansea City this summer.

Samuel scored his first Football League goal in the 3-1 home defeat to Blackpool two weeks ago and netted again as the Exiles went down 2-1 at Portsmouth last week.

And caretaker boss Flynn says County would be foolish not to explore the possibility of keeping the former Aberystwyth Town player beyond the end of the season.

“I don’t want to big him up too much because I want to see a future for him at Newport County if it doesn’t work out at Swansea,” he said.

“He’s a lovely kid with really good values, he’s a great pro.

“He’s got a lot to learn so let’s not big him up too much but I know he won’t get ahead of himself.

“He’s a down to earth lad and I don’t want to be putting too much pressure on him but he’s definitely catching the attention of the fans and the lads."

Samuel, who had a previous loan spell at Greenock Morton in Scotland, has made 12 appearance for the Exiles.

“If we didn’t try to keep him – given his age and the location he’s living at – we’d be very silly," added Flynn.

“That might not be my decision but as far as I’m concerned I’d do all I could to try to get him here.”

Samuel will be aiming to make it three goals in four games as County host mid-table Crawley Town at Rodney Parade tomorrow.

Flynn’s men are six points from safety with seven matches left to play in League Two.

Tickets for the match cost just £10 for adults and £1 for under-16s.

All ticket holders will also be able to claim a free one-day pass to gym, swim and group exercise classes courtesy of Newport Live.