MANAGER Michael Flynn insists it will take a big bid to prise Padraig Amond away from Newport County AFC, writes Andrew Penman.

The club announced late on Thursday night that Amond had triggered a clause in his contract to extend his deal until the end of the 2019-2020 season.

Flynn is delighted to have his top scorer tied down to a new deal and he hopes the news will ward off interest from rival clubs.

“I think it’s great news for the football club,” said the Exiles boss. “He’s very talented and I’m glad he’s triggered his deal.

“It goes to show that we try to put the right things in place and it’s rewarded him because he’s been very consistent since he’s been here.”

Amond has 15 goals this season and 29 in 83 games since joining the club from Hartlepool United in August 2017.

“He’s a very good professional and I’m really surprised that he hasn’t played as a higher level in his career,” said Flynn.

“For his age he’s very fit and he’s always available and he's not fazed by the big occasion.”

Amond scored County’s goal against Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round of last season’s FA Cup and another high-profile strike against Leicester City on Sunday will put him in the shop window again.

“There haven’t been any bids yet,” said Flynn. “If some come in then we’ll have to deal with it, but it would have to be a significant amount of money.”

Fellow striker Jamille Matt has 13 goals so far this season and he’s very happy that his partnership with Amond is set to continue.

“It’s great news,” said Matt. “Podge is, first and foremost, a lovely guy and a great player.

“We’ve got a decent partnership going over the last couple of months so I’m happy to see that he’ll be staying for another year and hopefully he’ll score a lot more goals for the club.”