Swindon Town

AFTER playing 90 minutes against Swansea City on Wednesday evening, Tom Smith hopes to build on his displays in pre-season so far.

Speaking to the official website, the first-year professional thought the Town acquitted themselves well against the Swans.

“It was brilliant to get 90 minutes in the bank playing against top players,” he told swindontownfc.co.uk. “It was a real test for us. Individually, it was good for me to play against Premier League players and test myself against players that are in the top flight. It’s difficult to play against those sorts of players but I thought we did well.

“It was a difficult game but of course you have to enjoy yourself out there. It was good for me to get on the ball a lot and for players to trust me and express myself. I thought people saw what I could do out there.”

The Town academy graduate then reflected on pre-season and revealed his hopes and ambitions for the forthcoming League One campaign.

“It’s been good,” he said. “I’ve got good minutes under my belt and I’m just looking to build on it. It’s good for me to get a taste of first team football playing against men so hopefully I can build on it, look ahead to the season and Saturday’s game against Yeovil.

“I’m just hoping to be involved in as many squads as I can. I’m working desperately hard in training and on the field to be involved and when I do get my opportunity just express myself and do as well as I can and make an impression.”