NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn has admitted that he’d love to see Josh Sheehan return to Rodney Parade next month.

The 22-year-old Swansea City midfielder enjoyed a successful loan spell with County last season, scoring seven goals in 25 appearances.

That made him the Exiles joint top scorer in the 2016-2017 campaign but he has been out since March after having surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament.

Sheehan, who was handed a month-by-month contract by the Swans in the summer, has now recovered from the injury and looks set to go out on loan in January.

And Flynn, who was first team coach during Sheehan’s time at the club, says he would welcome the Llanelli-born playmaker back with open arms.

“I’d be silly not to be interested, he’s a good player,” said the Exiles boss, who has been monitoring Sheehan’s recovery.

“I got on really well with him when I was his coach and I know how hard he’s worked to get back into a fit position.

“He’s bulked up – he’s not the skinny little boy that he used to be.

“He’s used his time off wisely and I’m sure he’ll only become a better player for it.

“He scored seven goals for us I think and he ended up our joint top scorer, which is not bad for somebody who didn’t play as much.

“He’s a talent and I am interested.”

South Wales Argus:

Flynn recently attended a Swansea match with chairman Gavin Foxall and chief executive Alex Tunbridge and the two clubs have a good working relationship.

“The chairman and Alex, the CEO, have helped in building the links with Swansea,” he explained.

“I’ve got a good relationship with [Swansea under-23 coach] Cameron Toshack and Nigel Rees, the academy manager down there.

“And Gavin and Alex took it a little bit further and built up a relationship with [Swans chairman] Huw Jenkins.

“We’re Welsh clubs and we all want to help each other, I just hope they get out of the position they are in at the moment.”

County also have strong links with Championship club Bristol City.

Flynn hopes to extend the loan of City striker Shawn McCoulsky in January and he has his eye on one or two of the Robins’ other young prospects.

“We had a reserve game against Bristol City last week,” he said.

“I’ve got a good relationship with Lee Johnson, who is doing a fantastic job there.

“I had a chance to have a look at a few of their players and we both gave some a run out.

“We lost 3-1 but it was a strong Bristol team and I was pleased with what I saw.

“I’ve spoken to Lee about Shawn. We’re in constant contact and I’m hopeful on that one and also maybe one or two more from there.”