NEWPORT County boss Justin Edinburgh has revealed that Rene Howe’s surgery went “better than expected,” and has tipped the striker to be available before the end of the current campaign, writes Michael Pearlman.

The 27-year old striker ruptured a thigh in training and went under the knife last week at the Royal Gwent last week, with the club initially diagnosing Howe as being unavailable for the remainder of the campaign.

However, the former Rushden player could be available for selection again this term, his manager has revealed.

“Rene has had the operation now and it wasn’t as bad as we first feared, we are hopeful but cautious with him.

“Our first thoughts were that he would miss the season, but we are hopeful now we’ll get him back and playing in the New Year sometime.

“If we’d have lost him for the whole season it would’ve been a big blow to us.”

Edinburgh also provided updates on two youngsters with a bright future, academy graduate Kyle Patten and current stand-out star Regan Poole.

Patten signed his first professional contract with County on Wednesday, while Poole has been training with Manchester United.

And Edinburgh had good news on the pair.

“Kyle Patten deserved a reward for his outstanding attitude and desire to play for Newport County.

“He’s missed 16 months with a back injury, but he’s worked tirelessly hard and I was delighted to reward him with a contract.

“I think he gives us an all-round midfield player who doesn’t mind the horrible side of the game.

“We will look to get him out on loan now and up to speed and then it won’t be too far away before he’s a graduate who makes the first team and pushes on through.”

And youngster Poole is also going to be getting his shot soon enough after a positive week spent training with Manchester United.

“Regan is a credit to the football club, he’s an immense talent who has only been at the club a short while and lots of clubs have registered an interest with him, not just Manchester United.

“But United have requested another week to look at him and play in a game and we will of course allow that, it’s a fantastic experience for the boy and we’ll have to see where that one leads to.”