SWINDON Town manager David Flitcroft has praised the players on the periphery of his squad ahead of their clash with Cheltenham Town.

Harry Smith, Tom Smith and Donal McDermott among others have seen little chance to get into Flitcroft’s starting XI, with the likes of Luke Norris, James Dunne and Kellan Gordon establishing themselves as top choice for the team sheet.

The trio, in addition to players such as John Goddard, Kyle Knoyle and Ellis Iandolo, who have struggled with injury, have also only been been able to find a place on the bench.

While Flitcroft admits it can be hard for players to break into a team who are playing well, he says he is more than happy with the attitude shown by those players on the fringe. “We’ve got a group of players on the outside and really, I think success is how you managed that group of players,” said Flitcroft.

“Currently we sit four points off of the top three, so the players who are playing are performing at the moment.

“Sometimes you don’t get in the team, but those players have trained to the levels required and they know the standard that we set.

“Emotionally you have to get them in the right place and I tell them every day, we are lucky to be doing what we are doing and never to take it for granted.

“They’ve trained fantastically well. I’ve been delighted with the group, it gets tough at times when you are lost, but they have been fantastic and have done everything they’ve asked them to do.”

Swindon, who have never won a competitive match Whaddon Road, will not want to be reminded of their last visit as they crashed to a 5-0 defeat in the FA Cup in November 2014.

With a large travelling contingent set to make the short trip, Flitcroft is looking to come away with a win.

“We are going there with an attitude and a mentality, I don’t like to lose, it’s not a local derby to me because I’m from the north,” he added.

“I see how important it is to the fans, our away following has been exceptional this season.

“They’ve been fantastic so it is really important we give them something to shout about.

“It’s another opportunity for us to be competitive, like he have been on the road so far this season.

“The fans are incredible, they’re loud and their proud and we have been able to give them a reward for their travelling up and down the country.”