Daniel Jones wants to follow in Paul Heffernan's footsteps – by extending his loan spell with Bristol Rovers until the end of the season.

The Wolves defender's initial month-long stay at the Memorial Stadium expires after today's home clash with Tranmere Rovers.

Pirates boss Paul Trollope has already said that Rovers are talking to the Premier League club with a view to renewing it – and Jones is making no secret of his desire to remain in the West Country for the remainder of the campaign.

"I've not spoken to Wolves, but I know Trolls would like to extend it to the end of the season and I'd be more than happy with that. I'd love it to happen," said Jones.

The 23-year-old left-back has impressed since his arrival from Molineux, playing a full part in the improved form which has seen Rovers win four of the five games he has appeared in, with clean sheets in their last two outings.

"There's a lot of confidence throughout the team, which is good," said Jones.

"Clean sheets are the most important thing for defenders – although I do like to get forward and have a go at the other end if I can. But if you keep a clean sheet you have always got a chance of winning games. We have put ourselves in contention again and the way we are playing at the moment, we seem to be the team to beat.

"Every game has to be like a cup final for us now, and we can't afford just to turn it on for one or two of them if we want to be successful."

Jones has slotted in well at the back and is full of praise for the role his new team-mates have played in helping him settle in quickly.

"I know that having big Steve Elliott alongside me means he is going to win nearly everything in the air, and he is one of the best centre-halves I've played with while I've been out on loan," said Jones, who had previous spells with Notts County, Oldham and Northampton in recent seasons.

"Every one of the back four has been playing well, and having Mikkel Andersen behind us gives us all massive confidence because you know he is going to come and take crosses.

"There's no moaning or arguing because everyone knows what to expect from each other, and that leaves you free to concentrate on doing your job."

Bristol Rovers were heading into today's game boosted by news that their 4-0 West Country derby win at Swindon last weekend has been voted performance of the week by the League Managers Association.

Trollope will receive a specially engraved crystal football to mark the honour bestowed by a five-man panel consisting of Sir Alex Ferguson, Howard Wilkinson, Joe Royle, Dave Bassett and Barry Fry.