FORMER Newport County AFC manager Justin Edinburgh says he could make a move for Exiles skipper Mark Byrne in the summer, writes Andrew Penman.

Edinburgh, who left Rodney Parade for League One Gillingham 12 months ago, says he decided against making an immediate move for the 27-year-old on transfer deadline day.

Edinburgh insists that decision was out of loyalty to his former club as they battle to avoid relegation in League Two.

Byrne has twice served under Edinburgh, firstly at Rushden & Diamonds, while on loan from Nottingham Forest and at County.

The Irish midfielder was brought to Newport by Edinburgh in the summer of 2014. He is out of contract at the end of this season and will become a free agent unless he agrees a new deal.

The Gills manager told Kent Online: “He is someone I know very well, someone who I think is a fantastic player and someone who would add a lot to the squad.

“I have still got a lot of respect for the football club down there and they gave me an opportunity. I just felt it wasn’t the right thing to do, to take their best player.

“He is someone I am interested in and he is well on my radar."