BOSS Michael Flynn insists a loan spell at Leyton Orient will benefit striker Lamar Reynolds and Newport County AFC in the long run.

Summer signing Reynolds has linked up with the National League outfit, now managed by former Exiles chief Justin Edinburgh, for the rest of the season.

Speaking after County’s 3-3 draw against Carlisle United last month, Flynn appeared to play down the prospect of Reynolds going out on loan.

However, it emerged last week that the 22-year-old was joining the O’s, who along with Hartlepool United were relegated from League Two at the end of last term.

Speaking about the centre-forward’s switch, Flynn said: “I’ve got a lot of time for Lamar but I don’t know what I’m going to get out of him.

“There’s nothing behind it, we haven’t fallen out.

“He needs to go and learn the game a little bit more and I think Justin will help him.

“I know he’ll be treated right there and I know Justin will look after him.

“And if he still isn’t learning, and I can’t do it, and Justin can’t do it, we’ll have to start again in the summer.

“But I’m sure he will start picking things up.

“He’s still young and instead of keeping him and being selfish, having him on the bench and chucking him on here and there, I think it’s more beneficial for us in the long-term that we let him go out now.”

Reynolds told Orient’s official club website: “It’s a good opportunity for me to showcase what I can do.

“Everyone knows about Leyton Orient, it’s a big club, and it’s around the corner from where I live.

“I don’t see anything going wrong at the moment.”

As Reynolds left Rodney Parade, County had already brought ex-striker Aaron Collins back to the club on loan from Wolves.

“He’s definitely someone I know I can get the best out of because I’ve done it before,” said Flynn of the 20-year-old academy graduate.

“He was very eager to come here.

“The move only came about at the last minute and it’s a good job that I watched him for Maidstone on TV.

“I know he’s got the capabilities and now I’ve just seen that he’s got the hunger.

“He definitely wants to do it again.”

Meanwhile, Evo-Stik League South West club Cinderford Town have taken County youngsters Michael Cook and Joe Hunt on loan.