NEWPORT County defender Matt Baker has revealed his interest in extending his loan spell with the club into next season, if given the chance.

The 20-year-old joined the Exiles back in January on loan from his parent club Stoke, as part of a trio of loan arrivals during the winter window which included the likes of Charlie McNeil and Calum Kavanagh.

County gaffer Graham Coughlan revealed at the start of the month that he would like to bring all three back to Rodney Parade for next season. And it seems at least one of the youngsters would be up for extending their stay in South Wales.

When asked about the possibility of staying on for the next campaign, Baker said that he would be keen to remain at Rodney Parade, saying: “It would be a good thing for me”.

“I think because I only joined in January, I’ve only had five months of experience here and I think another six months, or a year would really help me as a player," he said.

“I’d love to come back and play for Newport. I’ve loved the experience and knowing next year that we could push for play-offs would be something that I’d love to do.”

The Wales under-21 international also expressed his admiration for gaffer Coughlan, revealing the impact that the Irishman had on his decision to join Newport back in January.

“The gaffer called me, literally as soon as I found out there was interest, we had a chat and he really sold it to me,” said Baker.

“I knew a bit about the club because I came down here a lot as a young kid to train with Wales, so I knew a bit about the club but not a massive lot.

“The way he wants to kick on and go for the play-offs next season, I think that really helped me decide that I want to come here.”

The former Mansfield and Bristol Rovers manager hasn’t been afraid to criticise his players this season when he’s felt that performances have been below-par. But despite this Baker said that this stricter style of management has helped the side push on from the relegation zone, and onto a top half finish.

“When you’re doing well, he’ll pat you on the back and before games you feel like he’s behind you,” said Baker.

“If you lose games as well there’s the other side, he’s not going to be soft on you. He wants to win, and he’s got a winning mentality that rubs off on us as well.

“I think when you look at it know and where we are, it’s not the season you’d want. You’d want to be in the play-offs with a chance at going up.

“But I think that I can only speak from when I came in and I think we’ve done pretty well. Not because of me but because of the gaffer and the team.”

Newport County travel to Gillingham tomorrow, Saturday, for their penultimate final League Two clash of the season. Kick off 3pm.