FOREST Green Rovers striker Nat Jarvis is hoping to ruin Christmas for his old friends at Newport County AFC when the two sides meet on Boxing Day.

The 20-year-old is on loan at the New Lawn from parent club Cardiff City having spent last season with County.

Jarvis helped the Exiles to avoid relegation last season and made his final appearance for the club in the FA Trophy final defeat to York City at Wembley in May.

He scored six times in 31 league appearances for County, including the opening goal in the 1-1 draw at Forest Green in September 2011 – Anthony Hudson’s last match in charge before he was replaced by Justin Edinburgh.

Jarvis is still in touch with several members of Edinburgh’s squad but friendship will go out of the window on Wednesday and in the reverse fixture at Rodney Parade on New Year’s Day.

"I’m looking forward to these games because I really enjoyed my time at Newport last season," he said. "I’ve not been back since I left and I’ve missed the gaffer and the boys. I chat with them all the time and it will be great to see everyone again.

"Obviously Newport are doing really well and we are fourth so these are going to be big games.

"I wish Newport all the best for the rest of the season but we won’t be friends on the pitch!"

Jarvis moved to Rovers at the end of November after Ben Wright, another former Exile, tore his knee ligaments.

Rovers manager David Hockaday said: "We first saw Nathaniel last year when he was on loan at Newport.

"The Christmas and New Year period is always a tough one with a lot of games in a short space of time.

"Nathaniel’s young, hungry and keen to fight for a place. He’s very quick and powerful and because he’s played at this level he knows what to expect."

County and Forest Green will both be well rested after their games were postponed at the weekend due to waterlogged pitches.

Rovers were scheduled to play at Woking; while County were due to host Braintree Town at Rodney Parade.

That meant that Grimsby Town, who beat Wrexham 1-0 on Friday night, supplanted the Exiles as the Blue Square Bet Premier leaders at Christmas.

Wednesday’s match is likely to come too early for striker Danny Crow, who is still recovering from a torn hamstring.

Edinburgh will also be denied the services of left-back Andy Sandell who is banned after picking up five yellow cards. Andrew Hughes is expected to start in his place.

As well as Jarvis, the hosts could also field former County stars Chris Todd and Jamie Collins.