Boss Andy Sinton is set to open talks with Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Tamworth in a bid to keep hold of loan stars Jay Smith and Ashley Cain.

The pair have both made an impact since arriving from The Lamb and Sinton is eager to keep them at the club.

He is confident that there will be no difficulty reaching an agreement for midfielder Smith but admits there may be some bargaining to be done to seal an extension for winger Cain.

“Ashley I’ve just spoken to tentatively because his agreement was that he was just coming for a month.

“Jay’s agreement was that he was coming for a month with a view to extending that, so we are already one step ahead with him.

“I’ll sit down with Ashley and I’d like to keep him – he needs to add things to his game but he gives us something that we haven’t got at the minute.”

Sinton also revealed that he had already agreed in principle to put veteran forward Steve Jones – who arrived at the club at the same time as Smith and Cain – on a contract.

The 35-year-old former Burnley and Crewe man has missed the last three games through injury but is expected to be fit for the trip to league leaders Wrexham on New Year’s Day.

“We’re agreed with Steve,” Sinton confirmed.

“With the Christmas period that has been put on the back-burner but it’s done and dusted verbally.

“The club office has been closed for a few days but we’ll get him in and get that signed.”

See also:

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• Highlights – AFC Telford United v Braintree
• AFC Telford 0 Wrexham 2