Magpies want to keep Ritchie

02 September 2009 10:37
Notts County boss Ian McParland remains hopeful of signing Matt Ritchie on a permanent basis after capturing the Portsmouth winger on loan. McParland spent much of the summer chasing Ritchie and saw a six-figure bid turned down before finalising a loan deal until the end of December on deadline day. Ritchie impressed on loan at Dagenham & Redbridge last season and McParland is relishing the chance to see the 19-year-old in a Magpies shirt. McParland is happy his persistence has paid off and he is keen to keep Ritchie at the ambitious League Two club in the long term. "He's another piece of the jigsaw," McParland told the Nottingham Evening Post. "We had to be patient to get him, but it has paid off now he's here. "He's a smashing lad, really enthusiastic and he's a quality player. He's an out-and-out winger. He never stands still. He has got a great left foot and an eye for goal. "It would still be nice to get him on a permanent deal because he's a player with a bright future. "But Portsmouth think very highly of him and they only wanted him to go out on a short-term deal until Christmas. "We will take it from there. If he's doing well and enjoying it, hopefully we can keep hold of him."

Source: SKY_Sports