SWINDON Town forward Scott Twine will spend the 2020-21 season on loan at League Two side Newport County, according to manager Richie Wellens.

Twine’s temporary move to Rodney Parade will last until May, however Town have the option to call the youngster back in January should they feel it is necessary.

Wellens admitted he was reluctant to allow the 21-year old to leave the County Ground following a sparkling pre-season campaign that included five goals and a handful of assists.

The Town boss ultimately felt Twine’s long-term development had to come first and opted to hand a player he has labelled as a ‘real asset’ into the care of County manager Mike Flynn for the time being.

Wellens said: “I think it’s a really good move for Scott.

“I have to say, over the last few months, Scott Twine’s development has accelerated rapidly.

“So I think it would have been wrong of me to keep him here with no development programme available.

“It’s a horrible situation because I’ve got to be honest, I didn’t want to let him go. I think he would have had an impact for us this year from the bench.

“But I’m also conscious that there will be another two forward-minded players coming in.

“And with Tyler Smith, Jack Payne, Diallang Jaiyesimi and Hallam Hope, it might have just stifled his progress a little bit.”

Following a successful short-term loan at Chippenham Town in National League South where Twine scored six goals at the back end of last season, Wellens is keen to see the wiry striker develop further by notching consistent appearances in the professional game.

The Town boss is backing his young protégé to bag half a dozen goals from free-kicks as well as filling out physically during his time in South Wales.

Wellens said: “I honestly did not believe I would hear Newport and Scott Twine in the same sentence, but I’m also pleased with that because it will make him grow up.

“It will make him realise the importance of second balls, the retention of the ball and the result being needed every single week.

“He’s still too weak to play for me physically, but he’s getting there. He’s 21, but he’s still got a 17-year-old’s body.

“I don’t mean that disrespectfully, but he has got so much development to come.

“I hope he does well because I think we could have a real asset on our hands.”