Byrne could be back for permanent move
Mark Byrne could stay with Rushden & Diamonds after this season's loan spell.
The Irish midfielder's current contract at Coca-Cola Championship high-fliers Nottingham Forest runs out in the summer.
The prospects of Byrne signing a permanent deal at Nene Park would be boosted by promotion back into the Football League via the Blue Square Premier play-offs.
He admitted: "There's a possibility of staying here.
"At the moment I haven't really got a clue what's going to happen.
"If Diamonds get into the play-offs it would be great to go up into
League Two.
"Of course, that would make my decision a lot easier because we're all aiming to reach the League.
"I've played a lot of games here and it has worked out pretty well so far.
"We need to keep pushing on and, hopefully, I can help the club to qualify for the play-offs at the end of this season.
"I need to know myself what the future holds but I'm just looking to perform week in, week out.
"I haven't spoken to Forest yet and it's a bit early for a decision.
"I know that the academy director and scouts have watched a few games.
They have also spoken to Justin Edinburgh and Michael Stone so we'll have to wait and see what happens next."
Diamonds boss Edinburgh admitted: "I think Byrne has been our most improved player this season.
"He showed his attributes when he first arrived and his contribution has been immense with seven assists and three goals.
"His energy, passion and drive rubs off on his team-mates. I think he has been outstanding.
"He is out of contract soon and that's something we have already spoken about. He's an ambitious young boy who would like to see where we are going as well.
"He has loved his time here and, if he's going to stay around this level, I feel he would sign for this club."
Byrne's performances have brought a hat-trick of honours from Diamond
Minors members and he followed that with January's player-of-the-month award to be presented before kick-off tonight from the Evening
Telegraph and PW House Jewellers of Rushden.
He added: "I've been pleased with my form and I need to keep it going until the end of the season.
"I came here on loan and had to prove myself to get in the team and stay there.
"There's a lot of competition in midfield and the change of formation has worked well for us.
"I think it suits me because I like getting forward and I have that licence with Paul Terry sitting in front of the back four.
"I would like to score more goals and I came close at Grays Athletic on Saturday when a defender cleared my header off the line."
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