STRIKER Shaun Jeffers is ready to fill Aaron O’Connor’s boots and grab a sackful of goals for Newport County AFC this Christmas.

Top scorer O’Connor is banned for three games, starting at his former club Luton Town today, following his red card against Stevenage last week.

And that has handed Jeffers an ideal opportunity to claim a regular starting place as he’s set to play up front alongside the returning Chris Zebroski at Kenilworth Road this afternoon.

“Aaron and I played together last week and I thought we did well,” said the 22-year-old who has just returned from a loan spell at Brackley Town.

“It’s obviously unfortunate that Aaron got sent off and that it didn’t get rescinded.

“I didn’t think it was a straight red but the whole squad has been doing well and we have to move on and keep on doing the business.

“Zeb is back and he’s been in great form so he’ll slot straight back in and hopefully we can play well together.

“We’ve been working well in training and I’m looking forward to playing up front with him.”

Jeffers received a standing ovation when he was substituted in the win over Stevenage and he believes that he is a better player now than when he arrived at Rodney Parade in January.

“It was a great reception I got last week and I really enjoyed the game,” said the former England under-19 striker.

“It was amazing to play in front of our home fans again because it’s been a while for me having been out on loan.

“I think I have improved as a player. I used my body well against Stevenage and that’s something that I’ve developed and learned playing in the Conference North.

“And having played at a higher level as well going to Luton doesn’t hold any fear for me, or anyone in the squad.

“We know they are tough opposition but we’ve shown with our form at the moment that we can beat any team and we’ll give them a good game.

“We know we can score against anyone and we’ve been pretty tight at the back in the league so we’re confident.”

Jeffers loves playing at this time of year, adding: “We have a lot of games over the Christmas period when you obviously want to be with your family but we know we’ve got a job to do.

“I think we’re off on Christmas Day but we’ll be training hard all next week and looking to take advantage of the games coming thick and fast and keep pushing up the league.”