Foxes prospect Braybrooke keen to stay at Newport

Leicester City loanee Sammy Braybrooke is keen to stay at Newport County beyond December to help in the fight against League Two relegation.

The 21-year-old from Wigston has been a leading light in a troubling season for the Exiles, who are bottom of the EFL before Saturday's home fixture against Fleetwood (15:00 GMT).

Braybrooke joined on 1 September and has been a hugely influential figure at the heart of midfield, racking up 18 Newport appearances.

The former England age-grade international joined along with fellow Foxes prospect Nathan Opoku on loans that are initially until 31 December.

"I'd love to stay," said Braybrooke. "It's a good environment to be in and all I really want to do is play games and enjoy my football, which is what I am doing."

Braybrooke came through Leicester's academy and made his senior debut against Newport when Graham Coughlan's side were beaten 3-0 in the League Cup in November 2022.

His progress was stalled by ruptured knee ligaments the following February and he went on to make nine appearances during a stint with Dundee in the Scottish Premiership last season.

He was recalled by then manager Ruud van Nistelrooy in January but did not feature for the Foxes, who were in the Premier League at that stage.

Since moving to Rodney Parade, Braybrooke has been one of the first names on the teamsheet for former boss David Hughes and now Leicester Premier League winner Christian Fuchs, allowing him to develop nicely.

"I love it here. I am playing a lot of games – way more than I am used to – and the fans have welcomed me in along with the other players and staff from day one," he said.

"I am enjoying my football again and that's reflected on the pitch. I was out for a long time and when you come back it is tough to find the rhythm again.

"You are trying to find your flow and can't really remember what it used to be like. I would say this is the first time that am back to being me."

The loan spell is also allowing the composed Braybrooke the chance to show a different side to his game in the rough and tumble of League Two.

"It's way more physically demanding [compared] to what I have previously been used to playing in and I have embraced the challenge," he said.

"People look at me and think that physically I am going to struggle. I take that and prove to them that I can do it.

"I want my quality to come through and people will see I can do the other side that you wouldn't expect."

As things stand, Braybrooke has four games left at County, with three of those at Rodney Parade.

First up is the meeting with Fleetwood, when the Exiles will attempt to record a first home success of the season.

"Games are coming thick and fast. You can change your position in the table quickly with a few strong results," said Braybrooke.