RAPHAEL Branco says regardless of whether or not Swindon get promoted he thinks he is good enough to play in the Championship.

The Brazilian has made a rapid rise through the English league system. After being released without making an appearance for Brighton he spent last season turning out in front of an average of 212 people for the Seagulls’ semi-professional city neighbours, Ryman Isthmian Premier League side Whitehawk.

Playing at the County Ground he is playing infront of nearly 40 times as many people as when he was pulling on the Hawks’ shirt at their matter-of-factly named Enclosed Ground.

After an accomplished full debut against Peterborough it appeared that Branco had made that sizeable step up in league and setting fairly seamlessly, albeit a few months on from his initial signing.

In his seven starts since January his form has not always matched that initial level but it is fair to say that he has not looked all at sea in League One.

Having got his second chance in English professional football Branco wants to see how far he can go and does not think that stops in League One.

When asked by the Advertiser if he thought he could progress further in English football and had the ability to play in the Championship, Branco said: “Yeah of course.

“I think I have, I don’t know what’s going to happen next season but I think so, maybe, why not?”

This weekend sees Branco and his fellow Town players face their longest journey of the season up to Carlisle. Trips such as these were not frequent at the Brazilian’s last club. The 540-mile round trip to and from Brunton Park will have Branco and his teammates using anything they can to stave off the boredom being on the road.

“It’s going to be a long journey. It’s five hours, maybe six, maybe seven, depending on traffic.

“We’ve got everything, notebook, DVDs, films, everything.”