Newport want Man United, Middlesbrough and Stoke loanees back

The young trio have featured prominently since arriving at the end of the January transfer window.

Stoke City defender Baker, 20, has made 12 appearances, 19-year-old Manchester United striker McNeill has scored two goals in 14 outings while 19-year-old Middlesbrough forward Kavanagh has struck twice in 13 games.

It is a first taste of senior football for Wales Under-21s international Baker and Red Devils prospect McNeill while Kavanagh spent the second half of last season with Harrogate in League Two, although he was hindered by injury.

Colchester and Gillingham splashed the cash in January in their bids to climb away from trouble but County, who are now nine points clear of the drop zone after being five at the end of the transfer window, had to turn to youth.

County boss Graham Coughlan with Matt Baker after the win at Tranmere (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“We had to bring in young players in January and couldn’t do what some other clubs did but I don’t think anybody has signed better when you include Harry Charsley,” said manager Graham Coughlan.

“The age and experience might count against them but they have been brilliant and I hope we can keep giving them the education and development they need to go back to their parent clubs and compete for the first team after massive growth.

“But I wouldn’t say no to having them here again next season if Middlesbrough, Manchester United and Stoke were open to that. I will pursue them for sure.”

The expectations are especially high on McNeill given the size of the club he is contracted to.

While the bright prospect would like more goals to his name, manager Coughlan believes progress has been made while having his eyes opened to the demands of men’s football.

Charlie McNeill shoots for Newport County at Stockport (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“Charlie has had a really positive impact since arriving,” said the boss. “We needed somebody to put pressure on our other strikers and he has done that with Calum.

“He stretches play, brings a bit of quality and all round it has been a really good loan – we hope Charlie and Manchester United see it that way as well.

“The football is totally different to Man United so it's a great learning curve with the physical side of the game. Days like the 4-0 at Stockport are part of his education.”

County return to action against Hartlepool at Rodney Parade on Saturday afternoon.

The visitors cannot field former Exiles captain Matty Dolan, who has made five starts and four outings off the bench since returning to his native North East of England on loan in January.