REGAN Poole’s move to Manchester United should act as an inspiration for his fellow teen stars at Newport County AFC, says manager Terry Butcher.

Hours after 17-year-old Poole sealed a dream move to Old Trafford his good friends Kieran Parselle, Tom Owen-Evans and Aaron Collins were starring for County against Swindon Town in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Collins scored to take the tie to a penalty shootout but then missed the crucial spot kick as Swindon progressed.

But Butcher was delighted with the trio and has told them they can follow in Poole’s footsteps if they shine for the Exiles.

In particular he believes Collins, who was the subject of several bids from Burnely this week, is destined for a bright future if he bides his time.

“We lost one but you don’t want to lose another one because that’s too many and the money wasn’t enough anyway,” he said.

“But it’s not all about money because we’d like to keep him.

“Aaron Collins and Tom Owen-Evans and Kieran Parselle as well are fantastic boys and it’s only their first year as professionals.

“They’ve come on leaps and bounds from last year in the academy and they’re loving it.

“Aaron is a key player,” he added. “He’s got two goals now and he’s only played two full matches so he’s made a very good start to his career.

“The offer came in from Burnley but it didn’t match our valuation.

“He came to see me and I think his head was a bit fuzzy because of all the interest but we told him that we value him very highly and the offers from Burnley didn’t match the valuation that we’ve put on him.

“But his opportunity will come and it’s great for the younger boys coming through because it shows them the opportunities are there.

“Regan had a chance to go to Fulham last year and that didn’t happen for whatever reason.

“And I said to Aaron Collins ‘don’t jump on the first bus that comes along because maybe a better one will follow’.

“It certainly has for Regan and it’s great for him and great for the club.

“It shows we’re doing something right and that the players are as well.”