Gills boss Justin Edinburgh could make a move for Newport midfielder Mark Byrne in the summer.

Edinburgh decided against making an immediate move for the 27-year-old, out of loyalty to his former club, who are fighting off the threat of relegation from League 2.

Byrne has twice served under Edinburgh, firstly at Rushden, while on loan from Nottingham Forest and then at Newport.

The Gills manager said: “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."

Byrne is out of contract in the summer and would then be a free agent.

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