THE symbiotic relationship between Swindon Town and defender Rhys Sharpe is working for both parties, according to first-team coach Ross Embleton.

The 22-year-old is currently without a club having seen his short-term deal at the County Ground come to an end but is continuing to train with Town.

Sharpe, who came through the ranks at Pride Park but did not make a senior appearance for Derby County, signed for Swindon at the 11th hour before Town’s Checkatrade Trophy game with Luton Town at the beginning of December.

It is understood that the move happened to give director of football Tim Sherwood the chance to see the former Northern Ireland U21 international in a competitive fixture and Sharpe went on to feature as an unused substitute at Sheffield United four days later.

However, that deal has not been extended, although Embleton insists that both parties are happy with how things stand at present.

“The thing with Rhys is that he has been here for an extended period now,” he explained.

“He was here before we signed him originally. He has been in and around the environment.

“At the moment, Rhys is without a club officially. There is no definitive commitment with Rhys or he would have had a more extended contract.

“At the moment, it is a chance for him to train and get minutes at a club in a professional environment and in training, it helps us because we have got players to pad out the squad.”

Sharpe featured for Town’s development side on Tuesday, scoring the home side’s only goal in a 2-1 defeat to their Bristol Rovers counterparts.

The left-back played out of position as he formed a central partnership with Christian Frimpong and Embleton believes it is important for him to continue to show his ability.

“Partly, it gives him another chance to impress, like the rest of the lads,” he added.

“At the same time, Rhys is helping us because he played slightly out of position, as he does some days in training too.

“Rhys being out here on show, hopefully, if this isn’t the club for him, it might help him find another club somewhere else.

“It suits everybody at the moment and as long as that’s the case, that will continue to be the stance on Rhys.”