NEWPORT County AFC have made their third signing of the January transfer window with the acquisition of Millwall defender Sid Nelson on loan until the end of the season.

Centre-half Nelson, 21, joins the Exiles after the arrivals of strikers Aaron Williams and Jaanai Gordon from Peterborough United and West Ham respectively on Sunday.

Williams penned an 18-month deal while Gordon, like Nelson, is at Rodney Parade for the remainder of the Sky Bet League Two campaign.

London-born Nelson was signed by Millwall in 2004, the year the club reached the FA Cup final at the Millennium Stadium, and made his debut as an 18-year-old in the Championship.

Speaking after the loan deal had been agreed, County boss Graham Westley said: “Nineteen goals conceded in seven league games tells you that we lack defensive stability. There's no disrespect to any player in that statement.

“An effective defence needs a balance of the right ingredients and we just do not have the right balance at the club.

“Introducing the right players will make a huge difference to our performances and results.”

He added: “I'm delighted that Millwall, Sid Nelson and his excellent agent believe in the opportunity for Sid to contribute and develop here.

“I've seen a lot of him in both under-21 and League One football, where he helped his club into the play-offs last year, and I'm sure that the Newport fans will love the heart and quality that he will put into defending our goal.

“His signing is another of the necessary positive steps towards putting ourselves into a position where we can consistently win League Two games.”

Nelson will be available for selection as County, rock bottom of League Two, prepare to face Stevenage this Saturday.