MIDFIELD playmaker Ryan Burge is in talks about a new contract with Newport County AFC ahead of today’s trip to promotion-chasers Chesterfield.

The 25-year-old has missed the last two games with a calf strain but he’s fit and ready to step into Adam Chapman’s shoes this afternoon.

Chapman is banned for three games following his red card for violent conduct against Portsmouth last Saturday.

That gives Burge a chance to reclaim the central midfield role that he had made his own since the turn of the year.

But the former Port Vale star has already impressed manager Justin Edinburgh enough to suggest that he will be staying at Rodney Parade for the 2014/15 campaign.

“I am out of contract in the summer but the club have spoken to me about a new deal,” said Burge.

“Nothing has been sorted yet but they’ve said to me that they’re keen for me to stay, which is pleasing.

“I’ve enjoyed myself here and we’ll wait to see what happens.”

Burge admits the past few weeks have been frustrating as he’s been forced to watch from the sidelines and he’s delighted to be fit and firing for the final seven games of the season.

“I had a little bit of a niggle in my calf and needed to give it a bit of a rest but it’s alright now,” he explained.

“It’s been frustrating. I don’t like watching games from the sidelines. I’ve had lots of injuries this season but I’ve played quite a few games this year and I want to continue to do that.

“I always want to be playing. Like everyone else I want to play as much as possible and help the club push up the table.

“We’ve got seven games left still and we’ve got to kick on,” he added.

“We’re in the middle between the play-offs and the relegation zone but we won’t be taking it easy. We’ll keep going until the end of the season.”

Burge is preparing for a tough test today but he dismisses the notion that all the pressure will be on the third-placed Spireites as they look to secure a place in League One.

“Chesterfield are a good side,” he said. “They’re not in the top three by accident and they play good football.

“We know it’s going to be a tough game but we’re prepared for it and we’ve got to go up there and give everything we’ve got to get a result.

“As soon as the whistle goes all the talk of pressure goes out of the window and it’s just a game of football that both teams want to win.”