DEFENDER Matt Partridge ended months of frustration with his return to the Newport County AFC starting XI last week and, if it’s up to him, he’ll waste no time in signing a new deal to stay at Rodney Parade.

Partridge had been sidelined with an ankle injury since the 1-0 win at York City on January 18 – Warren Feeney’s first match as manager.

But he started in a holding midfield role in the 1-0 home defeat to Notts County and hopes to keep his place in the side for today’s trip to AFC Wimbledon.

“It was good to get back out there last week,” said Partridge. “I was playing in a different position and I managed to get on the ball and show that I can pass the ball about so I enjoyed it.

“It has been frustrating not to be out there helping the lads but obviously I got injured at a bad time and without reserve games because of the busy schedule it was hard for me to get a game.

“It was a frustrating time but it was good that the gaffer knew what I could do because he was here under John Sheridan.

“I didn’t feel like I needed to prove myself as much as if it was a completely new face coming in. I was still confident that the gaffer was aware of what I could do.”

Feeney will speak to the players about new contracts early next week and Partridge is in no doubt that he wants to stay if he’s offered a new deal.

“Nobody knows at the moment so we will just have to wait and see but I’d be happy to stay at Newport if the chance came about,” said the 22-year-old.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here, I’ve got on with all the lads and I’ve enjoyed my football when I’ve been playing.

“For me it’s been a good season when I’ve been fit and I’d be happy to stay.”

Today sees the final game of a tough campaign for the Exiles, who finally confirmed their safety two weeks ago, but Partridge is optimistic about next season.

“We’ve done well to stay up because when I came in we were bottom of the league,” he said.

“We want to get three points now and give the fans something to celebrate at the end of the season.”

He added: “I feel like the start of the season put us on the back foot and I think if we can get off to a good start next season anything is possible.

“In this league anyone can beat anyone and we want to be in and around the play-offs. Hopefully that will be the target for us next year.”