Lowestoft Town boss Ady Gallagher has admitted he would like to keep Nico Cotton for the rest of the season.

The Southend United youngster has been on loan at Crown Meadow since the start of the month but this is due to end after the Burgess Hill game on March 4.

Gallagher would like the 20-year-old to stay with the Blues for the campaign's remainder but knows the decision is not just down to him.

'We've got him until the Burgess Hill game and everyone will have to make a decision after that,' said the Trawlerboys' chief, whose side ground out a 1-0 victory against Leatherhead last weekend. 'I certainly hope that he can stay for longer but it will also depend on Southend and of course Nico himself.

'We've been really pleased with him – he has settled in really well and he's shown some great touches.

'He is playing in an advanced midfield position and he is a real threat. As he develops his relationship with the other players I think he will give us a nice edge. They are the type of players that you need at the club.'

Lowestoft has helped develop the careers of other youngsters in the Football League including the likes of Harry Burgoyne at Wolves and Southend youngster Harry Kyprianou.

Gallagher feels the experience of playing at Lowestoft's level can benefit young players in the long term.

'There are some tremendous young players at our level,' added Gallagher. 'It's more realistic than academy football because there's a real competitive edge.

'Harry Burgoyne played against Liverpool for Wolves recently, Harry Kyprianou went on to play for the first team at Southend, Ben Killip is continuing his progression well at Norwich, and then of course you've got Harvey Hodd from Fleetwood.

'It's a great chance for young players to get games that really mean something – it can be a great learning curve for them.'

Lowestoft entertain Enfield Town tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 3pm) with no new injury worries.

Rory McAuley will return to the squad after being on compassionate leave last weekend whilst Jake Jessup will start in goal with Jamie Waite out with a shoulder injury.