LEE HOLMES is keen to agree a third and final month at the County Ground and admits to being gutted that he won't be around to help Town across the play-off finishing line.

The 17-year-old's loan deal expires after next Wednesday's encounter with Port Vale and he is hoping George Burley and Andy King can agree an extension.

Holmes has had a big impact since joining from Derby County in December, providing a consistent threat down the left flank.

The man of the match awards have come thick and fast and he has hailed King, his teammates and the supporters for helping him thrive in Wiltshire.

His only disappointment is that he won't be around to help ensure a happy ending to the campaign.

Holmes said: "It has crossed my mind that I won't be here to see out the season.

"It would be a bit gutting to think that the lads could be playing at the Millennium Stadium without me.

"Still, I'd rather that scenario than the club not getting to the play-offs at all.

"It'd be nice to be here to see things through but that's not going to happen."

Instead, Holmes hopes the last weekend in May will prove a doubly happy occasion.

Nothing would please him more than participating in one play-off final and watching another.

He said: "The ideal situation would be helping Derby into the Premiership and seeing Swindon make it into the Championship.

"That would make it a very happy season for me personally."

Domestic success is one thing but Holmes knows that can only help further his international ambitions.

Holmes has watched Pride Park teammate Tom Huddlestone progress to the England Under 21 set-up and he would love to follow him.

He said: "Tom's done really well and I think it certainly helps the fact that Peter Taylor is a manager at this level.

"As a player you dream of representing your country and playing at the highest level possible. I'm no different."

The only dark cloud on the horizon at present is the growing injury list at Pride Park.

However, it is defenders rather than wingers clogging up the treatment room at Derby.

Holmes said: "It seems to be the lads at the back who are the ones picking up knocks.

"I don't imagine the gaffer will be calling me back to bolster the defence."