JASON Tovey is playing for a long-term Dragons deal after earning a stay until the end of the season.

The fly-half has been a firm fixture in the side since being brought in on permit from Cross Keys for a third spell at Rodney Parade.

The 29-year-old from Risca kicked the match-winning penalty against the Ospreys last month that ended the Dragons' four-year derby losing streak and has been rewarded for his displays with a contract until the summer.

Tovey, who left Edinburgh at the end of last season, is now targeting a longer stay after enjoying his return to professional rugby.

"It was nice to finally get it sorted after being in limbo with who I was playing for week in, week out," he said. "I am delighted to be here now until the end of the season and help us move forward.

"As soon as I came in here it was always the plan to put my best foot forward and enjoy it. There was really no pressure on me, things went pretty well and now I am staying for a bit longer.

"The plan is to get a longer deal, although the whole of Welsh rugby is in limbo at the moment (the regions and WRU are negotiating a new agreement) and I am not the only one looking to make an impression. I am just looking forward to getting stuck in."

"It was nice to have four or five months out from the professional game and have a pre-season off to let my body control itself," he continued.

"Fair play to Keys, they helped me on the way and they have been fantastic in this little stint. I can't thank them enough."

Tovey will wear 10 on his back in the European Challenge Cup encounter with Timisoara Saracens tonight and if he racks up 19 points then the region's record scorer will become the first player to hit 1,000.

He made his Dragons debut in 2008 and returned after an ill-fated season with Cardiff Blues in 2012/13 before heading to Scotland in 2016.

"It's a lot different now," said Tovey, who was brought back by former boss Bernard Jackman. "Everything is a lot more professional behind the scenes with the little things like food and conditioning.

"The training is shorter but it's a lot more intense. We are not out there for an hour and a half getting flogged, it's 40/50 minutes and if we are sharp then we are done and the boys can practice on the little skills on their own."

Tovey pulls the strings against Timisoara while Josh Lewis is rested after backing up the summer recruit from Bath in the festive derbies.

The 26-year-old's struggles and injuries to Gavin Henson and Arwel Robson led to Jackman turning to Tovey, and Lewis has responded well.

"It's what the coaches were looking for from him. His confidence was down and they brought me in for a bit of experience for a few games," said Tovey.

"Fair play to Josh, since his first game back against Northampton his kicking has been outstanding and his general management of the game has been good.

"It's been nice to keep a bit of pressure on him and I am sure he enjoys that. I am not getting any younger so if I get 15 or 20 minutes to calm things down at the end of the game then I am happy to do that.

"If everyone is playing well then you can't complain."