NEWPORT boss Warren Feeney is keen to maintain his close relationship with Cherries in a bid to draft in some of his former club’s emerging talent. 

Feeney spent Tuesday in Dorset watching Eddie Howe put his squad through their paces as they prepare for a second season in the Premier League.

The former Northern Ireland international played more than 100 times for Cherries between 2001 and 2004 alongside Howe, assistant Jason Tindall and goalkeeping coach Neil Moss.

He also lined up with brother-in-law and Cherries under-21 boss Stephen Purches and wants to make the most of family ties for the benefit of his League Two club.

“They want to help us which is a big thing,” said Feeney.

“It was good to go down to see what a Premier League team does and they are looking to put out a couple of players (on loan), which is fantastic.

“I am in talks with one or two regarding coming in and it would be great for the club if we could do a deal.

“I played with Eddie, JT, Mossy and my brother-in-law, who has been a development coach there for years.

"It was difficult to do last year after coming in during the season but they want to get a good link with us.

“It would be great. They want to help us so hopefully, we can get the players in to help them progress as well but they have to be the right ones.”