JERMAINE Hylton is itching for his first Swindon Town start and it looks like he will be handed one tomorrow at Deepdale.

After signing in January from Southern League Redditch United, the Wayne Rooney Street Striker finalist has been slowly bedded in at the County Ground, making a handful of substitute appearances and showing fleeting glimpses of promise.

He announced himself a couple of weeks ago with his first professional goal, the winner in the 1-0 success over Peterborough and has featured twice more since.

It was expected Hylton would be handed an opportunity to impress in the run-in, with Town’s security in the play-offs guaranteed four games out with the win at Rochdale.

The 21-year-old did not feature in the defeat to Yeovil, but was given 40 minutes in the second half against Walsall. Hylton took the opportunity with both hands, playing a big part in helping turn Town’s fortunes and resurrect a point from 2-0 down against the Saddlers.

Now he seems to have been given the nod by Mark Cooper for this weekend’s clash and is fully prepared to take on the challenge.

“I believe I’m a League One player at the minute. I don’t feel like the guy from non-league anymore,” Hylton told the local media.

“I do feel ready to start now. I’ve settled in, I’ve got up to pace and whenever the start comes hopefully I’ll put in a good performance.

“It’s a bit difficult when you’re coming from playing week in, week out to having to sit on the bench and wait for your time.

“All you can hope is that when you do come on you can make some sort of an impact and try to impress.

“I’ve either got to score goals or try to create goals – whether that’s through penalties or assists, I’ve got to make as much of an impact as possible.

“In public or behind closed doors it’s always important that the manager has faith in you and he does seem to do so.

“All of the coaches have a word with you. When you’re not having the best of days they tell you to keep your head up and they do seem to have confidence in me and that’s a real boost for me.”

He probably would not admit it himself, but before the goal against Peterborough the early enthusiasm Hylton displayed in his early cameos had waned. However since that goal his self-belief seems to have been taken to new levels.

“The goal was massive because before that you’re thinking that people are a little unsure if you’re good enough to play at this level,” he added.

“The goal takes a lot of weight off your shoulders and when you add the little cameos together it’s all just boosted my confidence.

“Goals are your bread and butter as a striker, that’s what you’re paid to do, but there’s a lot more you can do as a striker like linking play and creating things for other players. I do think that’s important too.”