Magpies hint at Darby deal
NOTTS County assistant manager Alex Rae has hinted the Magpies might attempt to permanently sign Liverpool defender Stephen Darby in the summer if the 22-year-old continues to impress at Meadow Lane.
After a hugely successful two-month loan at Notts earlier this season, Darby has returned to Meadow Lane from Anfield on a deal until the end of the campaign.
He is currently the club's first-choice right-back, ahead of the Magpies' club captain John Thompson, and has helped Notts keep five clean-sheets in the 12 games he has played.
Rae has praised Darby's performances.
"He's been brilliant. He's a model professional and he has never let us down on any occasion," said Rae.
"We're delighted to have him on board for the rest of the season.
"He's a very steady player and brings a lot to the team."
Asked if Notts were considering making a bid to permanently sign Darby, Rae added: "He's still got another year to go with Liverpool.
"In terms of where we go we'll have to look at it in the summer.
"How he does between now and then will be a factor."
Rae believes Darby has been pivotal to the Magpies' improved defensive record in League One.
Despite being 19th in the table at present, Notts boast the joint-fifth best defence, having conceded 32 goals in 25 games.
Rae and the Magpies manager Paul Ince arrived at Meadow Lane at the end of October.
"The first thing we wanted to do when we came into the club was improve the defensive record and we have done that," added Rae.
"We have always emphasised the importance of building a team from the back.
"We're now in the top six defensively in the league, so we must be doing something right.
"The players have been brilliant but we can still improve further. We always have to strive to improve."
NOTTS County assistant manager Alex Rae has hinted the Magpies might attempt to permanently sign Liverpool defender Stephen Darby in the summer if the 22-year-old continues to impress at Meadow Lane.
After a hugely successful two-month loan at Notts earlier this season, Darby has returned to Meadow Lane from Anfield on a deal until the end of the campaign.
He is currently the club's first-choice right-back, ahead of the Magpies' club captain John Thompson, and has helped Notts keep five clean-sheets in the 12 games he has played.
Rae has praised Darby's performances.
"He's been brilliant. He's a model professional and he has never let us down on any occasion," said Rae.
"We're delighted to have him on board for the rest of the season.
"He's a very steady player and brings a lot to the team."
Asked if Notts were considering making a bid to permanently sign Darby, Rae added: "He's still got another year to go with Liverpool.
"In terms of where we go we'll have to look at it in the summer.
"How he does between now and then will be a factor."
Rae believes Darby has been pivotal to the Magpies' improved defensive record in League One.
Despite being 19th in the table at present, Notts boast the joint-fifth best defence, having conceded 32 goals in 25 games.
Rae and the Magpies manager Paul Ince arrived at Meadow Lane at the end of October.
"The first thing we wanted to do when we came into the club was improve the defensive record and we have done that," added Rae.
"We have always emphasised the importance of building a team from the back.
"We're now in the top six defensively in the league, so we must be doing something right.
"The players have been brilliant but we can still improve further. We always have to strive to improve."
