NOTTS County manager Craig Short is delighted Ben Davies is still at Meadow Lane.

The Magpies turned down a bid from Championship club Derby County for the 29-year-old midfielder at the end of last week, and Short is relieved the Rams did not make an improved offer before the transfer window closed yesterday.

He said: "I'm so pleased to keep Ben. He is such an important part of the team.

"We had a replacement in mind if he went, but I'm glad it didn't come to that. I'm glad they didn't come back with an improved offer for him.

"Ben still being here is the best thing that could have happened yesterday."

Short completed one signing on the last day of the transfer window, Republic of Ireland U21 international forward Alan Judge coming in on loan until January from Premiership Blackburn Rovers.

Judge, 21, is on international duty in Switzerland until next Wednesday, and Short believes he can make an impact at Meadow Lane on his return.

"I've known about him for a while because of my links with Blackburn," said Short, who spent six years at Ewood Park as a player.

"I've spoken to a couple of the Blackburn players, Ryan Nelson and David Dunn, about Alan, and they spoke very highly of him.

"He was training with their first team squad during pre-season and did very well.

"I asked Blackburn if they were going to loan him out to let him come here, and I'm so glad they did us a favour because Scunthorpe United made an inquiry about him."

Short has also handed a trial to former Leeds United defender Rui Marques, who is a free agent. He will start training tomorrow.

He also revealed he missed out on another Blackburn youngster Alex Marrow, who has joined Crystal Palace.