BOSS Matty Holmes insisted he would love to secure the services of loan star Luke Burbidge on a permanent basis.

The winger arrived at Wimborne Town at the start of September and saw his temporary deal extended until the end of this month.

Holmes said Burbidge’s arrival had given his side “a new lease of life” in a recent interview with the Daily Echo.

And while he admitted a decision on Burbidge’s future was up to the player and Dolphins boss Tom Killick, the Magpies manager would be eager to keep hold of the former Weymouth man.

Asked for an update on Burbidge’s future, Holmes told the Daily Echo: “It is up to Luke, if he wants to stay we would love to have him but he has to sort that out with Poole Town.

“I am not sure how it is left with Tommy at the moment, it seems to be month to month.

“It is whether Luke wants to come over full-time. He has mentioned that he wants to, but that is for Tommy and Luke to decide.

“I would like to think we play to his strengths. We like to get the ball wide and get crosses in with combination play, which he really enjoys.

“It has to be right for him and Tommy holds the contract at Poole, he has been with him a long time.

“But I would be more than happy for him to come to us, for sure. Any manager in this league would want a player of his quality.”

Following a 1-0 defeat to Cinderford Town on Tuesday, Magpies host sixth-placed Swindon Supermarine at Cuthbury on Saturday (3pm).

Holmes is sweating on the fitness of Toby Holmes and Jack Lovell for the encounter.

“Jack got an arm injury on Saturday, he was on the bench on Tuesday but wasn’t fit enough to get on the pitch,” he added.

“Toby came off with an ankle injury on Tuesday and he will be touch and go.

“We have to soldier on. It is hard to replace both of those players but we have to get on with it and work hard as a side.”

On visitors Supermarine, the Wimborne boss said: “They are unbeaten away from home and I thought they were one of the best sides we played last season.

“But we have got really good players ourselves and if we can limit mistakes and really work hard defensively, then we can allow our attacking flair players to get on the ball.

“I am very hopeful we are going to put a good performance in.”

Magpies: (from) Benfield, Penny, Cole, Maybury, Arnold, Davidson, Oldring, Kellaway, Stokoe, L Holmes, T Holmes, Francis, Burbidge, Bayston, Walker, Lovell.