NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn saw a major January transfer window headache disappear with the news that loan star Shawn McCoulsky will be staying at Rodney Parade.

The Exiles boss enjoyed a double celebration at Cambridge United on Saturday as he watched captain Joss Labadie bundle in a 94th-minute winner before revealing that McCoulsky would remain at the club until the end of the season.

McCoulsky had put County 1-0 up just before the break at the Abbey Stadium with his 10th goal of the campaign before Jevani Brown levelled with a stunning strike.

And Flynn is delighted that he won’t have to search for a new goal scorer in the New Year.

“He’s got lots to learn but he’s got 10 goals in his first crack at League Two and we’re not even in January yet,” said the manager.

“I’m glad that I’ve managed to keep him. It’ll all be done and dusted on Monday.

“We’ve spoken and to Bristol City and it’s extended until the end of the season.

“It’s one that I wanted to get out of the way and I can relax a little bit now.

“I was worried we could lose him because he’s scoring goals and that’s the hardest thing in football.

“He’s doing very well at the moment. I’m delighted to have him and that’s one less player I need to worry about [in January].”

Flynn admitted that his side were fortunate to claim all three points but he was full of praise for match-winner Labadie, who scored with his knee as Cambridge goalkeeper David Forde hacked away Matty Dolan’s free-kick.

“To be honest, I was ready to take a point as soon as they scored because they were on top,” he said.

“I probably would have taken a point but I’m absolutely delighted that we got all three.

“Joss was on the move, like he was all afternoon,” he added. “He didn’t stop running all game.

“He gave away a few fouls but that is how dynamic he is and how much he gives to the cause.

“And that’s probably why he picks up a few injuries as well because he’s always living on the edge.

“He’s always pushing his body to the limit. He’s a fantastic player and that’s why he’s my captain.”

The only disappointments for County were injuries to defenders Mark O’Brien and David Pipe, who were both forced off, but Flynn is optimistic that both will be available for the upcoming home clash with Lincoln City.

“O’Brien had a kick on the calf in the first half so that’s going to be sore for the next few days but I’m hoping he’s not too bad,” he said.

“And I took Pipey off as a precaution because he had a shooting pain up his calf and he wasn’t moving well.

“They are substitutions that I didn’t really want to make but I had to.”