Stacy's Long wait

Long has impressed in pre-season with a string of excellent performances. After netting a crisp volley in the 2-0 win at Hucknall Town, the midfielder followed that up with lively displays against Gillingham, Doncaster and, last night, Derby County.

But, despite being one of the star performers in a near-perfect pre-season for the Magpies, Long has admitted in an interview with the Notts County Official Site that he is still uncertain as to whether he'll earn a permanent deal at Meadow Lane.

Image courtesy of Magpies' Online

"It is not for me to say how close I am to signing something here," said the former Charlton player.

"I would love to say I am as close as possible, but I can only do what I am doing on the pitch really. It is up to the manager if I am here come August 6 (the season's opener)."

Despite not being drawn on his future, the 20-year-old did hint that a permanent deal isn't too far away, saying he'd love to be in the squad for the season's opener at Torquay - suggesting he still believes he'll be at the club at this point.

"I would love to be here, that's for sure and I'd be very happy to be in the squad for the opener," added Long.

The former England Youth international has been training with the Magpies' squad all summer after being released by Charlton. The versatile midfielder initialy impressed in a trial spell at the end of last season and was asked back for pre-season training.

He has since gone-on to impress whilst countless other trialists were sent-away. Manager Gudjon Thordarson has said that he expects a decision to be on Long - plus fellow trialist, Dunkirk's Jake Sheriden - in the next week.

For all the latest transfer news and gossip, check back to NCM throughout the summer.