I'd stay here (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

I'd stay here

LOVE-struck Sean O'Hanlon is hungry to kick-start his career at the County Ground and will turn his back on Everton if the two clubs can reach an agreement over a permanent switch.

The 21-year-old defender, currently on a month's loan from Goodison Park, made his first Town start in the 4-2 victory over Rushden and Diamonds and he is delighted to have swapped Merseyside for Wiltshire.

He said: "I love the place, I love the lads and everything about it so far. Obviously, we have to see what Everton say but if the offer's right then I'd definitely be interested."

O'Hanlon takes the view that it might well be a case of taking a step back to take a step forward.

He said: "Swindon is a great club and as a young player, if you are able to get yourself first team football at a club like this then there are always going to be big clubs looking at you."

Manager Andy King is hoping a deal can be done with his Goodison Park counterpart.

The young defender has made a big impression on King in a very short time.

After Saturday's victory, he made it clear that every effort would be made to try and bring him to Wiltshire permanently.

He said: "He's a lovely kid. He's the right size and age, strong and quick. I like his attitude and his commitment.

"I'd love to sign him and if I can, I will. I've spoken to the boy about it.

"What I will say publicly is that we have to do it now. The more performances he puts in, the more it will make others aware of him.

"So I will be working this week on trying to bring him in. My mind's made up about the lad."

It is not clear whether the funding is in place for a deal but King expressed the view last week that he was keen to strengthen while matters were going well on the pitch.

A successful bid to bring O'Hanlon to Wiltshire would leave King with two young Liverpudlians occupying the respective full-back slots. Andy Nicholas has made the left back spot his own since breaking into the team shortly before Christmas.

Nicholas was expected to sign a new two-year contract this week.

Town's reserves are back in action this week.

Alan Reeves' men are scheduled to travel to Cardiff City on Wednesday afternoon for a Pontins Holidays Combination fixture. The match is due to kick off at 2pm. At least one triallist is expected to feature.