DAMION Stewart is the type of no-nonsense central defender Notts County have been crying out for all season, believes boss Martin Allen.

The Jamaican international has played in six games since arriving at Meadow Lane on loan from Bristol City in early January.

During that time the Magpies have conceded only four goals and kept three clean sheets – having notched only one shut-out in 14 games prior to that.

Allen believes the physical presence of the 6ft 3ins 31-year-old has added some much-needed steel to the Magpies defence.

That was no better illustrated than in Tuesday night's 1-0 League One victory at Walsall, where Stewart played a central role.

The former QPR player has already been secured until the end of the season and his boss is delighted to have him on board.

"Damion is an outstanding player and we could have done with someone like him all season," said Allen.

"We needed a centre-back right from the very start who is dominant in the air as he is – every team needs that presence.

"He's been a great signing for me and I'm sure there is more of the same to come.

"Damion is going to be important for us and we need the same kind of passion and commitment he and the rest of the players showed at Walsall during the rest of the season."