TRANMERE manager Les Parry was given a “fantastic” early Christmas present when Everton agreed to extend José Baxter’s loan spell at Prenton Park into the New Year.

The talented teenager, who has made a big impact in nine senior appearances so far, will be available for all of Rovers games through December and the festive holiday programme.

Parry spoke with Everton counterpart David Moyes this week in the hope of extending the loan into a third month and met with success yesterday.

“David said Everton are quite happy for Jose to stay with us for another month and the lad himself wants to stay,” Parry said. “He’s really enjoying his time here.

“This is fantastic news. It is great for Everton to do this. They have done us a real favour and hopefully they will get a little bit out of it if we send back a more rounded player.

“The loan runs until January 7 so we will have him until after we have played the Christmas and New Year games. It is a busy and important time of the year and we will be better off having him in the squad.”

The second month of Baxter’s loan was due to expire after Tranmere’s League One fixture at Exeter City tomorrow.

Parry confirmed the 19-year-old from Bootle is keen to carry on in his creative role just behind the striker in Rovers 4-4-1-1 formation.

“José loves it here,” Parry said.

“It is a two-way thing because when you take a Premier League player you are a little bit unsure about how they are going to adapt to the style of football at our level and fit in at a club outside the Premier League.