ANDRE Boucaud is on course to earn a permanent deal at Notts County.
It was a big surprise when the Magpies signed him on loan until January from non-league Luton Town in the summer.
But he has since shone at Meadow Lane and is already one of the first-choice central midfielders alongside captain Neal Bishop – keeping the likes of Gavin Mahon and fellow new-signing Joss Labadie out of the team.
Boucaud, 27, has started the last three games in League One for Notts, helping them beat Hartlepool United and Bury, and their 2-1 win at Sc**thorpe United in the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
He set up defender Carl Regan to score the winner against the Iron with a defence-splitting pass in the second half at Glanford Park.
Boss Keith Curle has confirmed Luton cannot recall Boucaud during his short-term loan and Notts will be able to open talks with him over a permanent deal in the New Year if he keeps doing well because he is out of contract at Kenilworth Road at the end of the season.
"He didn't fit into Luton's plans because of the way they play, but a passing midfielder like him suits us," said Curle.
"He has done really well since he came here and he's still developing. He gets on the ball and gets us playing and if he could add goals to his game, he would be even better."
Boucaud is almost certain to keep his place against newly-promoted Shrewsbury when the Magpies return to league action at Meadow Lane on Saturday.
And having led Notts to their first win in the Football League Trophy for 11 years at Sc**thorpe, Curle is now targeting a fourth League win.
"I want to win everything, even if I'm playing tiddlywinks with my little girl," he added.