NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn is on the hunt for up to four new recruits in January but if it’s more goals he’s looking for he could find the answer with the return of in-form striker Aaron Williams.

The former Peterborough United front man’s successful loan spell at National League North promotion contenders Brackley Town is currently due to end on New Year’s Day.

Williams scored his 22nd goal of the season in the Boxing Day draw with Leamington and he will be back at Rodney Parade next week unless the two sides agree to an extension or a permanent deal.

The 24-year-old, who has continued to train with the Exiles, recently told the Brackley Town website: “I am enjoying my time here and am just taking one game at a time and we will see what Newport have to say about the loan in the New Year.”

Williams joined County on January 1 this year, signing an 18-month contract, and scored three goals in 17 appearances in the second half of last season.

But he fell down the pecking order after the summer arrivals of Frank Nouble, Padraig Amond and Shawn McCoulsky and was allowed to join Brackley on loan in August.

“I was a bit rusty when I first arrived here [at Brackley] because I hadn’t played competitive games and my confidence was low,” added Williams.

“The gaffer spoke to me several times on the phone and to be honest I jumped at the chance to come to Brackley. “I knew some players such as Shane [Byrne] from my time at Nuneaton and it was an easy decision.

“There are lots of good characters in the dressing room here and the gaffer has been excellent for me.

“He manages players well, you can see that. He gave me my chance and I wanted to take it.

“The hat-trick in the [Senior Cup] game at Corby was great for my confidence and it started this run of scoring.”

Brackley boss Kevin Wilkin is a big fan of Williams and will be keen to keep the striker on board.

“Aaron is a poacher and outside that he works very hard for the team,” he said.

South Wales Argus:

Wing-back Jazzi Barnum-Bobb (above) is also due to return to County after his loan at National League strugglers Torquay United comes to an end on January 7.

The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive start to his time with the Gulls in November but is currently serving a three-match ban after being sent off against Maidstone United on December 16.

Academy graduate Momodou Touray has benefited from his loan spell at Merthyr Town and has made the bench for County’s recent matches against Swindon Town, Carlisle United, Lincoln City and Wycombe Wanderers.

Defender Jamie Turley’s loan at surprise National League play-off contenders Boreham Wood takes him through to the end of his County contract next summer.

Striker Joe Quigley, who has failed to make an impact since his loan move to the Exiles in August, will return to AFC Bournemouth next week.

Fellow forward Paul Hayes, who joined in October but has been unable to play because of registration regulations, will not be available until the FA Cup third round tie against Leeds United on January 7.

The Football Association will not be processing any transfers until January 2 and it’s unlikely that Flynn will be able to get any deals done before January 3.

A positive result in the cup clash with Leeds could also change his plans with a potential replay and fourth round tie significantly boosting his transfer funds.