TERRY Butcher expects teenage defender Regan Poole to play a big part for Newport County AFC this season, whether or not he signs a professional contract.

Poole still has another year left to run on his current scholar's contract at Rodney Parade but is now eligible to sign improved terms.

Butcher confirmed that talks are ongoing with the 17-year-old’s agent after Tuesday’s 2-0 friendly defeat at Bath City – Poole’s first start in pre-season.

But the Exiles boss says there is no rush to get the pro contract signed and that he sees Poole, who has previously attracted interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Fulham, as ‘integral’ to his plans.

“There is no change,” said Butcher. “He played his first full game and he did very well.

“He looked comfortable at centre-half having played in midfield on Saturday [as a substitute].

“He looks comfortable wherever he plays and he’s an integral part of our squad.

“We’re talking with his agent now and we’re looking to see what we can do to tie him down.

“At this moment in time there’s been no other interest at all.

“He missed a few days with an ankle injury, which he picked up playing for Liverpool.

“I’m not happy about that but he’s back fighting fit now and looking good and it’s good to see him back.

“He’s a quality player and he’s got a great touch and attitude.”

New signing Lenell John-Lewis has urged the academy graduate to stay and learn from former England captain Butcher.

“I’d heard a lot about him before and I’m very impressed,” said the striker.

“He’s a very confident lad, good on the ball and strong as well so hopefully he’ll be a big factor this season.

“There’s probably no better person for him to be under – a manager who’s been at the top and knows how to play the game and that position as well.

“He’s been getting his head down and listening and I think that’s very important for a young player.

“If he gets his chance I’m sure he’ll take it.”

Butcher says that the current injury problems and the small nature of the squad will mean that Poole and his fellow youngsters will get a chance to impress this season.

“Aaron Collins is very much in the squad as well,” he said. “He can play on the left, the right or through the middle.

“He’s done very well in pre-season and Tom Owen-Evans has done very well too and Kieran Parselle came on at half-time as well.

“The younger ones will certainly be in the squad and they are pushing their claims to try to grab a position in the team.”

After a first defeat at Bath Butcher says he expects his side to improve ahead of Saturday’s trip to National League Premier outfit Torquay United.

“It’s disappointing having set high standards in the first two matches but that’s what you get – especially with youngsters – that inconsistency,” he said.

“I’ve got no excuses, we have to work harder and make sure that we respond properly.

“If anything I blame myself because we worked the boys hard on Monday.

“We’re into the third week of pre-season now and perhaps we left a few legs on the training field.

“But you learn more from a defeat and more from a performance like that than if we’d won quite comfortably.”