NEWPORT County fans received an early Christmas present yesterday with the news that Craig Reid has signed on until the end of the season.

The striker scored his ninth goal in 15 games at Rushden & Diamonds on Tuesday and his signature will come as a huge boost ahead of this afternoon’s Blue Square South clash at AFC Wimbledon.

Reid revealed that he had received offers from other clubs but insisted that he always wanted to stay at Spytty Park.

“I’m very happy that it’s all been sorted out and I can just concentrate on my football again,” he said.

“The gaffer and I have been talking for a few weeks and he is one of the main reasons why I wanted to stay.

“I’m really pleased with what we are achieving here and I’ve made some really good friends in the dressing room so I’m delighted.”

Exiles boss Dean Holdsworth was also happy to have secured the services of his main goal threat until May, although his attention has now turned to the futures of his other loan stars.

Wayne Turk, Aaron Cook and Paul Bignot are due to play their last games under their current loan deals at home to Worcester on Boxing Day and Holdsworth was due to meet with chairman Chris Blight last night to discuss the chances of keeping the trio.

“I want to keep them all and they all want to stay but it’s down to the finances at the moment,” said Holdsworth.

“It would be a real shame if we lost any of them because I think this squad is capable of great things and we don’t want a revolving door situation again.”

Following the sterling performance at Rushden Holdsworth is in a confident mood before taking on his former club.

“It will be nice to go back there and see some friendly faces. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since the opening day but they are a good side.

“I think they will be back in the Football League soon, they’ve got such quality but then so have we. After Tuesday we won’t fear anyone.”

Holdsworth has fitness worries over Martyn GIles and Paul Cochlin, who both have hamstring strains, while Ashley Vickers is fighting a flu bug and Nathan Davies is out for a month with a cracked fibula.

Dons manager Terry Brown has sickness doubts regarding Dwane Lee, Mickey Haswell, Tony Finn, James Pullen and Danny Kedwell, who are all struggling to shake off viral infections.