DEFENDER Scott Barrow believes Wrexham have got themselves a top goalkeeper in Rhys Taylor and he’s hoping his good friend will be back at Newport County AFC before too long.

Taylor has only played one competitive match for County since his summer arrival from Macclesfield Town – where he played with Barrow last season.

The former Chelsea stopper signed on loan for Conference club Wrexham on Thursday and Barrow is certain he’ll be a big hit in North Wales.

“I had a call off him to say he’s gone on loan and it’s not nice to see him go but he’s got to play games,” said the Exiles wing-back.

“I’m losing my coffee buddy – we always have a coffee together after training so that means I’ll be sitting on my own in the corner! But he’s got to do what he’s got to do.

“Last year at Macclesfield he was unbelievable – 23 clean sheets in a season is pretty good going.

“His standards never drop – he pulls of ridiculous saves in training.

“I’ve known him for years – the first time I played with him was at Swansea when we were kids.

“Last year with him behind me it was like being back when we were kids again.

“He never stops talking and I’m sure that he’ll do well at Wrexham.”

Barrow hopes Taylor returns to Rodney Parade in January to push first choice Joe Day for a starting spot.

“He is too good to be a number two but we’ve got two good goalkeepers here and one has to sit out,” he said.

“Hopefully he plays a few games, keeps some clean sheets and when he’s back obviously he’ll be knocking on the door again.”

County manager John Sheridan is aiming to bring in a short-term replacement but defender Matt Taylor could be an emergency option as back up to Day against Northampton Town today.

The defender was a goalkeeper for six years before enjoying success outfield with Exeter City and Charlton Athletic.

“I think Matt wants to put the gloves on in training but he hasn’t yet,” said Barrow.

Sheridan said: “I think they call Matt ‘The Cat’ but we will have a keeper [coming in]. Whether he’s here for Saturday or not doesn’t worry me.

“We’ll definitely have a keeper in before the middle of next week.”