NEWPORT County AFC boss Nelson Jardim is keen to extend Kyle Hudlin’s loan beyond January – and the towering striker is open to staying after an impressive start to life at Rodney Parade.

The 24-year-old was a deadline day arrival from League One Huddersfield after the Exiles suffered an injury blow to young targetman Hamzad Kargbo.

The 6ft 9ins forward has made 10 appearances and scored his third goal for the club in Tuesday’s win at Gillingham with a superb control, pivot and finish.

Hudlin is sharing the workload up front with Courtney Baker-Richardson and his form has led to Luke Jephcott missing out on the matchday squad.

“Kyle has three goals now and it’s not only that, he is enjoying his football and being with us,” said head coach Jardim.

INFLUENTIAL: Kyle Hudlin scored his first County goal against Salford and has led the line impressivelyINFLUENTIAL: Kyle Hudlin scored his first County goal against Salford and has led the line impressively (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency)

Owner Huw Jenkins and head of football operations Chris Finn take the lead on recruitment and on the loan situation Jardim added: “I don’t spent my days thinking about what type of agreements they have got.

“I go through my days trying to find ways to improve players and make them feel they are being well treated and that they are getting what they need in terms of why they came here.

“I am sure they are happy, at least that is the feedback that I am getting from the players on loan and their clubs.

“Kyle is one of the players that we are lucky to have around and he is someone that I would like to keep if it was only my decision.”

Hudlin has made good progress at County and is benefiting from heading out to get regular game time.

Huddersfield signed him from Solihull Moors and he had previous loan spells at AFC Wimbledon and Burton.

PROSPECT: Huddersfield have sent Kyle Hudlin out on loan to Newport County to get game timePROSPECT: Huddersfield have sent Kyle Hudlin out on loan to Newport County to get game time (Image: Jacob King/PA Wire) The Terriers are fifth in League One and hunting an immediate return to the Championship, with Hudlin waiting to hear what his parent club believe should be the next step.

“I am very open to staying. It's all about analysing what pops up in January, what Huddersfield want, and what works for all parties,” he said.

“So far I am just really enjoying my football – I really like the staff and players here. It's just about keeping my head down and seeing how far I can take things up until the transfer window, then we will reevaluate.”

Kargbo has been doing passing drills with County after suffering a dislocated shoulder on debut at Cheltenham on opening weekend but still needs to build his strength up for contact.