PLAYMAKER Josh Sheehan intends to help Newport County AFC to promotion from League Two before deciding whether to stay at Rodney Parade.

The 26-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and the Exiles have held talks with the midfielder, whose form has earned a pair of Wales caps.

Manager Michael Flynn said that negotiations have gone "flat" with Sheehan telling them that he will make his call at the end of the League Two campaign.

"It's not a negative decision, he wants to get this season out of the way and if we do go up then it gives us a stronger chance," said the boss.

Sheehan, who had a buyout clause in his current contract, attracted interest from League One Bristol Rovers last summer but hasn't ruled out signing a fresh deal with County.

"The decision will come at the end of the season and it will be whatever is best for me. If that's staying at Newport then I will stay," he said.

"That's not in my mind [at the moment], in my mind is that we have 10 games left and I just want to get promoted with Newport.

"It's a big decision, it's my life and my career, but it's not something that I can decide right now. I've got 10 games and we want to get promoted, and we will be disappointed if we don't reach our target."

Wales midfielder Josh Sheehan and Mexicos Hector Herrera battle for the ball

Wales midfielder Josh Sheehan and Mexico's Hector Herrera battle for the ball

Sheehan came through the ranks at Swansea City and spent a season on loan at County in 2016/17 before turning on a permanent deal in January 2018 after recovering from a serious injury.

"I will always be grateful to Newport because they took me back when I did my knee," he said.

"It's not easy coming back from a knee injury and teams might not take a risk on you because they feel you could break down.

"Hopefully I have repaid Newport for believing in me. Newport will always have a special place in my heart."

Sheehan will be a pivotal figure in County's push for promotion.

They sit in the final play-off spot but can still be in the mix for the top three if they finish with a flourish.

The Exiles travel to Barrow this afternoon before welcoming in-form promotion rivals Bolton Wanderers to Rodney Parade on Monday.

"When we step over that line we have to leave it all out there. There are 10 cup finals and no excuses," said Sheehan.

County were setting the pace in January but their winter form means they are playing catch-up.

"We put ourselves in a great position and now we are chasing, but at Newport we never do things easy.

"We are going to have to repeat the form that got us into the play-offs a couple of years ago.

"There are 10 games left and it's make or break. If we can get a little run going then everybody will be scared of us."