against Peterborough United. Holmes' loan deal was twice extended after he impressed during his first two months at Swindon. He scored his only Swindon goal during his final month in a 1–1 draw with Doncaster Rovers. Holmes played 15 league games for Swindon, winning the club's young player of the season award, before returning to Derby County. He made one final appearance for Derby in the 2004–05 season before he played in the 2005 UEFA European Under-19 Championship in Northern Ireland, scoring in England's 3–1 final defeat to France. In January 2006, Holmes signed a new contract at Derby keeping him with the club until the end of the 2007–08 season. The following month, he was named the captain of England under 19s against Slovakia, which he marked with another goal in a 3–0 victory. Holmes again moved on loan at the start of the 2006–07 signing for Bradford City with full back Nathan Doyle. Holmes made his debut for Bradford in their opening day 1–0 defeat to Nottingham Forest. Holmes spent time on trial with Dutch side NAC Breda but remained at Derby without playing in a match during 2007. In January 2008, Holmes joined League One side Walsall on a season-long loan. He made his debut for Walsall, and his first game in more than 13 months in a 2–2 draw with his former side Swindon Town on 12 January 2008. He scored his first goal in a 2–1 defeat to Carlisle United on 2 February 2008 and followed it up with a goal in his next match in a 2–0 victory against Yeovil Town. Two weeks later he scored in each half to take his run to four goals in four games in a 3–0 victory over Swindon Town. Holmes played a total of 19 games for Walsall during his loan but was unable to add to his four early goals. Holmes returned to Derby at the end of the season, but the club decided not to renew his contract, and he was one of four players to be released. Southampton On 6 June 2008, Holmes turned down Leeds United and Nottingham Forest to instead sign for Championship side Southampton as their first summer signing. He was attracted by the promising youth set up under new coach Jan Poortvliet, chairman Michael Wilde and the size of the club. Holmes made his debut for Southampton in the opening