SWINDON Town are still running their eye over triallist Rhys Sharpe in what head coach Luke Williams has described as a “win-win” for both parties.

The former Derby County defender has been training with Town over the last two weeks and featured in last Monday’s development game against AFC Wimbledon.

The 22-year-old was released by Derby in 2015, following a loan spell with Shrewsbury Town, before being picked up by Notts County.

Despite signing a two-year deal at Meadow Lane, Sharpe, who has represented Northern Ireland at under 21 level, saw his deal come to an end by mutual consent in August this year.

With Sharpe having failed to find a new club, Swindon have taken the chance to see if he can fit in at the County Ground but appear in no rush at this stage to offer a deal to the left-back.

With Nathan Thompson now facing a spell on the sidelines defensive reinforcements could now be of the essence.

“Rhys is a free agent so it is a win-win really for everybody,” Williams told BBC Wiltshire.

“(We can) take our time to have a look at Rhys and for Rhys to also keep involved with day-to-day training.

“His schedule is not as cut and dry as the rest of the playing staff because one or two other things, Rhys needs to be able keep his options open and we are understanding of that.

“He will be with us, more or less, until it gets to such time that either party wants to make a decision.”