NAT JARVIS in all likelihood played his last game for Newport County at Wembley Stadium, but the Cardiff City man admits he’ll be forever grateful to the Exiles, writes Michael Pearlman.

Jarvis scored some vital goals for Newport this season but has already penned a new deal with the Championship side and has been told by boss Malky Mackay that he’ll be part of his squad next term.

And despite the devastation of being a Wembley loser, just as his parent club were in the Carling Cup final, Jarvis is keen to salute the Amber Army for giving him his big break.

“It doesn’t get bigger than playing at Wembley and I’ve had a great time at Newport, it couldn’t have been any better, if I am honest, in terms of getting games and working hard,” he said.

“I am 100 per cent a better player for my time with County, the gaffer has taught me a lot and it’s a very physical league and that’s done wonders for me.”

Jarvis produced a wonderful piece of skill to set Romone Rose free on Saturday in the early exchanges, the former QPR man unfortunately missing a golden opportunity that the Exiles would ultimately pay the penalty for.

He explained: “We had our moment when I put Romone through, he got caught in two minds on what to do and if you don’t take your chances you don’t win games. I wish the chance or a chance had fallen to me but it wasn’t to be and we are not pointing fingers, we’re disappointed to have been beaten but football’s like that.”

Jarvis was deployed as a winger on Saturday, as he has been for much of the time under Justin Edin-burgh, but was happy to do a job for the team despite being more comfortable through the middle. Furthermore, he’s hoping his maturity in terms of fulfilling a number of roles can help to establish him at Cardiff.

“I would have loved to have played as a central striker in my natural position, but being a team man is more important and I just tried to do my best out wide, trying to make an impact on the game. Malky has told me to work hard over the summer and I’ll be part of his squad and that’s massive, he has trust in his young players and he has told me to come back fitter and stronger than most people there.

“Hopefully my experience with Newport will stand me in good stead. I nearly missed the final through injury and I was proud to play my part.”