Newport player-of-the-year Mark Byrne will be high on Justin Edinburgh’s summer wishlist.

The Irish midfielder scooped a haul of trophies at League 2 Newport this season.

Byrne, 27, is captain at the club, where he previously played under Edinburgh.

With last season’s Gills skipper Doug Loft departing, Byrne will be an ideal replacement, and he won’t cost a penny either as he is out of contract.

Newport have offered their star man a new deal but Gillingham are a likely destination for a player who could have arrived in January.

Edinburgh

decided against the move back then

as his former club were battling against relegation from League 2.

Newport finished one place above the drop zone.

The Gills boss is now free to make his move and, when asked about the player, Edinburgh said: “He is definitely someone I would like to bring into the football club.”

He has previously spoken of his admiration for a player who was first signed by Edinburgh on loan for Rushden from Nottingham Forest.

Edinburgh said: “I think he is a fantastic player and someone who would add a lot to the squad.”

Dubliner Byrne picked up SEVEN trophies during Newport’s end of season award ceremony, including the main supporters’ player-of-the-year and players’ players awards.

He also won goal of the season for his strike against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup third round, firing the ball into the top corner from 20 yards.