Newport County midfielder Danny Rose admits he’s still unclear on his future following a fantastic fortnight.
The former Manchester United reserve captain has now jetted out for his summer holidays but not before a post season double whammy of representing his country and winning a prestigious award.
The 22-year old was named the Non-League Young Player of the Year last week, hot on the heels of representing England C in a prestigious game against the Portugal U23s.
The English side were beaten 1-0 but impressed against their Mediterranean counterparts who fielded two full internationals and Yannick Djalo, one of the hottest prospects in Europe and currently interesting Arsenal.
It’s been a wonderful conclusion to the campaign for Rose and with Football League sides Aldershot, Huddersfield and Sheffield Wednesday already linked with a move for him, he confesses to being unsure of his immediate footballing future.
“I see it as a win, win situation for me at the moment, because I have to make clear that I am a Newport County player and I am happy at the club,” he said.
“I have a year left on my contract and I believe we can challenge for promotion this season, I am happy here, but I know there has been speculation (linking him to other clubs).
“I want to play in the Football League and that is no secret, the club have always been great with me and already they’ve said if the money was right they wouldn’t stand in my way.
“If it takes three months or two years I don’t know, but I am determined to make it as a Football League player.
“I can’t pretend I wouldn’t want to move to a League One club, but if nothing comes of it I am happy to stay at County.”
Rose doesn’t need to look far for inspiration in seeing a non-league player enjoying success after stepping up.
“Look at Craig Reid,” he said. “He has gone to Stevenage and now he’s a League One player, all the boys are made up for him.”
Rose would miss out on England C caps were he to move into the upper echelons of the game but his last appearance clearly left a lasting impression.
“The Portuguese players are the best I have shared a pitch with since my Manchester United days,” he said.
“They had some real stars out there and Yannick Djalo is off to Arsenal or Everton or so I heard.
“I swapped shirts with him after the match, I was determined to get it. It did make things a bit embarrassing though because someone else asked me for my shirt and I had to say no!”
Rose was honoured to be named Young Player of the Year in the Conference.
“Some of the names competing have a massive future in the game, ones already signed for Everton so that’s a big thing for me, it’s a huge honour and it caps off a great season,” he concluded.
However, with a bright future and another season with County or a big move on the cards, Rose is also looking back with nostalgia after the retirement of his idol, Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes.
Rose played with Scholes and even skippered the 10-time Premier League winner for United’s reserves.
“It’s amazing really, I can only say exactly what guys like Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand have said, Scholesy is the very best player I have played with, he’s amazing and he’s my idol,” he said.
“Without a doubt he’s England’s best midfielder in I don’t know how many years and he is exactly like people say he is, quiet, focused and a model professional.
“I learned a lot from him and it’s a sad day for football that he’s retired.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here