NEWPORT County AFC are in talks with Kevin Ellison about staying on as part of the coaching set-up as a decision looms over his playing future.

The veteran midfielder signed a fresh one-year contract last summer to remain at Rodney Parade, balancing his playing duties with a role with the development squad.

The 43-year-old has made 15 appearances in all competitions for County this season, racking up just 163 minutes in League Two.

He suffered a serious facial injury in an incident in Bristol in December and since then his only appearance was a brief cameo at Sutton on April 18.

However, Ellison has remained a key presence on the training ground and on matchday.

The Liverpudlian posted on social media on Wednesday that he had completed his UEFA A licence, saying: "Buzzing to finally receive this A licence, thanks to all those who helped, guided and supported me along the way. #grateful."

South Wales Argus: WINNER: Kevin Ellison struck late on at Oldham on opening dayWINNER: Kevin Ellison struck late on at Oldham on opening day

Ellison has to weigh up his playing future after an incredible career featuring spells at Leicester, Stockport, Lincoln, Chester, Hull, Tranmere, Rotherham, Bradford and Morecambe.

Last season he became the oldest outfield player to take to the field in the EFL play-offs and then the oldest scorer with a cracker from distance at Forest Green Rovers.

Ellison then got County's 2021/22 season off to a flying start when he glanced in a last-gasp header to earn a 1-0 win at Oldham Athletic, his only strike of the campaign with one game to go against Rochdale on Saturday.

"We are having discussions at the minute. What that [role] looks like is a conversation between me and Kev," said manager James Rowberry.

"I have a lot of time for Kev, I really admire him and he is in the stands for us during the games as my eye in the sky from above with our analysts.

"I really admire him and I have seen him growing as a coach. He has got that maturity - he is older than me! - and is still learning, as we all are, how to put that knowledge across.

"He is very much part of what we are trying to do at the minute."

South Wales Argus:
Rowberry’s senior management team features assistant manager Carl Serrant, first team coach Jarred Harvey and goalkeeper coach Jim Hollman.

Ellison has not featured in the last two matchday squads after the return from injury of Swansea loanee Ollie Cooper.

County finish the season against Rochdale on Saturday (kick-off 3pm). They can finish no lower than their current 11th but could leapfrog Tranmere and Salford with victory.

Three points would take their tally to 72, more than they managed when making the play-offs in 2019 and one point behind last season's record high since the return to the Football League.