Newport boss Flynn eager to talk to Bristol City about McCoulsky extension

(Photo: Media Image)

By Alex Beard

Newport County manager Michael Flynn is planning talks with Bristol City about extending the loan stay of striker Shawn McCoulsky at Rodney Parade.

The 20-year-old netted for the fourth time in 12 days, and the seventh occasion this season, in the draw with Mansfield Town on Saturday  – but his loan spell in Wales is set to expire in January.

And while Flynn has limited the player’s starts this season, his latest strike coming off the bench, he admits the player is becoming undeniable.

“Shawn is knocking on the door for a start now. He’s scoring for fun now and he was outstanding when he came on,” Flynn told the South Wales Argus.

“He’s the club’s top scorer now and, fair play to him, he works hard and he did well with his back to goal.

“When he got hold of the ball he did really well and I’m delighted for him because he’s a great kid. He’s really giving me food for thought.

“You could say he’s scoring against tiring defences but I don’t think the Southend defence was tired when he scored two down there [in the Carabao cup in August].

“I’m not going to take any gloss off it; he’s scoring against defenders in League Two and he’s scoring quite regularly at the moment.”

And Flynn revealed that McCoulsky’s form has him ready to pick up the phone and arrange an extension: “I’d be silly not to, wouldn’t I?” he said.

“I’ll speak to Bristol City. I’ve got a good relationship with [loan manager] Brian Tinnion and Lee Johnson so I don’t see why not.

“Their player is happy and we’ll go from there. If he carries on at this rate he’s going to have 17 or 18 and that would be outstanding – we haven’t had that for a few years.”