NEWPORT County boss Justin Edinburgh admits the next fortnight will be “vital,” as he considers the shape of his squad for the New Year.

The Exiles are currently just outside the League Two play-off spots and Edinburgh is desperate to avoid a repeat of last season where Newport’s form tailed off dramatically after the Christmas break.

County have utilised the loan market in recent weeks, a high volume of players either arriving at or departing from Rodney Parade on a temporary basis.

The Exiles still have Joe Day, Scott Tancock, Curtis Obeng, James Loveridge and Joe Pigott in their ranks for Sunday’s clash with Exeter, but the clock is ticking on keeping the players longer term.

The Argus can confirm that Pigott rejoins parent club Charlton Athletic on November 22 after the clubs failed to agree on an extension and the situation with Day is still unresolved.

The player will definitely return to London Road at least temporarily, as his emergency loan deal runs for a maximum of 93 days (up to November 29), but Newport have made clear they want to keep him longer term.

The Exiles will also meet with Swansea City management Garry Monk and Ian Curtis in the coming weeks to decide the future of the trio of youngsters currently on loan from the Liberty.

The Argus understands County would be keen to keep all three players longer term and have earmarked Obeng as a player who would ideally be around for the remainder of the campaign.

“It is going to be a vital time for us,” Edinburgh told the Argus.

“We are shaping the squad and have a lot of conversations to have about players staying here and some players maybe leaving here.

“We have 10 to 14 days until the deadlines all come thick and fast and I want to have a good long think about each individual.”

County have seen a trio of players return from loan, though in mixed conditions.

Edinburgh reports that Jamie Stephens and Shaun Jeffers are both “flying,” in training after spells at Gloucester and Brackley respectively, but Joe Parker has returned from a spell with Tim Harris’ side with a fractured wrist and is currently in plaster.

“Shaun, we wanted to get mens’ football under his belt and he looks stronger for it and after a couple of clean sheets Jamie Stephens is flying as well,” he said.

“That’s good news, but we had a blow with Joe Parker. He’s got games and goals which is great, but now he’s damaged his wrist and is in a cast.”

Striker Christian Jolley remains on loan at the New Lawn at Conference outfit Forest Green Rovers, despite rumours to the contrary.