MAGPIES’ manager Phil Simkin remains confident of landing hot prospect Harry Cornick – but not until Christmas at the very least.

A host of Premier League clubs are believed to be monitoring the progress of the young Christchurch winger but it appears the 17-year-old will stay at Hurn Bridge for the time being.

However, with the sought-after teenager keen to study at university next year, the county town chief is hopeful of eventually luring Cornick to the Avenue Stadium.

Speaking to Echosport, Simkin said: “I don’t think there will be much movement on that for a while.

“I think his parents are happy for him to carry on as he is at the moment. If he moves anywhere I think he’ll come here but I wouldn’t have thought he’ll be going anywhere before Christmas.

“We are monitoring the situation but I don’t want to put the boy under any pressure. It may well be that he trains with us a couple of times before Christmas but at the moment that’s as far as it is going to go.”

“(Assistant-manager) Stuart Heath has spoken to his parents and they feel this is the best way to go for him – we have to respect that.”

Simkin is also optimistic of securing a one-month extension for loan ace Jamie Reid, whose current deal runs out this weekend.

Since arriving in Dorset, the Exeter City forward has hit five goals in nine appearances, including two in Saturday’s FA Cup victory over Wootton Bassett.

Dorchester ’s boss added: “I shall speak to Exeter soon to see if we can have him for another month. I see no reason why they should say no.”

The Magpies’ reward for beating Bassett is a home draw with fellow Blue Square Bet South outfit Basingstoke Town – conquerors of rivals Weymouth – in the third qualifying round.

Commenting on the tie, which carries a prize of £7,500, Simkin said: “The biggest thing is we’re at home.

“It will be difficult as Basingstoke are a good side with good players coming back from injury.

“I would have been better playing someone from a lower division but that’s not the case so we will just get on with it.”

* Dorchester Town A have been forced to withdraw from Dorset League Division One due to a lack of players.