WALES international defender Darcy Blake says he wants to get his future sorted as soon as possible and that could mean signing a new deal with Newport County AFC.

The 25-year-old from New Tredegar arrived at Rodney Parade in March as a free agent following his release by Premier League Crystal Palace.

And he made an instant impact alongside fellow new boy Kevin Feely, helping the Exiles recover from a dreadful post-Christmas slump and ease any relegation fears.

Irish youngster Feely has now returned to his parent club Charlton Athletic after signing off with the winning goal in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Rochdale.

But Blake, who won the last of his 14 Wales caps in Croatia in October 2012, has already spoken about his future with Exiles boss Justin Edinburgh and says he’d be happy to stay.

“We’ve done really well against the top teams in the league,” he said after beating Keith Hill’s promotion-winners at Rodney Parade.

“If the club can keep the majority of the players and get a few more in then they can definitely compete next season.

“If we can sort something out I’d be happy to stay,” he added.

“I’ve enjoyed myself. I needed to play. If I’d gone another half a season without playing that would have been almost two years so the club has helped me massively.

“It’s not good for any professional to not be playing and fair play to the manager for giving me a chance.

“I’ll take a little break now but my agent will speak to the club.

“But if I was going to sign I’d rather do it sooner rather than later and get myself sorted out.”

Fellow Exiles defender Byron Anthony, who is also in talks over a new deal, hopes Blake can be persuaded to stay.

“Darcy is a Welsh international and he’s done really well,” said Anthony.

“I think he’ll be the first to admit he wasn’t fit when he first came here but he’s got himself into shape and he’s only going to get better.

“I played with him at Cardiff as well and it’s invaluable to have local players at this club because they know how much it means for the club to be back in the Football League after so long.”