NATHAN Delfouneso is looking to put a frustrating summer behind him after signing a one-year deal with Swindon Town.

The striker made his full debut in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Port Vale as he started up front alongside fellow summer arrival Luke Norris.

It will take Delfouneso time to find his feet at the County Ground, having spent the pre-season without a club following his release by Blackburn Rovers at the end of last term.

However, the former England U21 striker is hoping that working on his fitness by himself will pay dividends.

“It is something I haven’t been used to before,” he told BBC Wiltshire when asked about spending the close season as a free agent.

“It is something I have got to make sure doesn’t happen again.

“You just do as best as you can and work as hard as you can to make sure you are ready when the phone call comes.

“It’s been a long summer and a frustrating summer, it has had its moments, but I am happy and delighted to be here.

“You always want to be involved in the first game of the season so around about that time, I might have had a few moments where I felt I really wanted to be out there.

“It is a long season so you have just got to be mentally strong, make sure you are doing things right and working hard away on your own and just be ready to go.

“I have worked hard (during pre-season) and I feel good.

“I am relieved and hungry to go now.”

At the age of 25, Delfouneso is considered a mature head in the Town ranks, with only Jonathan Obika, Raphael Branco and Nathan Thompson older.

That, added to his Premier League experience when he was with Aston Villa will make him a player to look up to but he admits that he is still learning his trade after a stop-start career.

“It is a young squad,” he added.

“I am actually one of the older heads in the squad, which I find strange only being 25.

“I have played with quite a few great players being with Villa, in the under 21s and some of the England under 21s – some of which are in their first team now.

“As much as the young lads here are still learning, I am still learning at the same time but I have that valuable experience behind me to go and use and push on.

“If I can pass anything on to the younger lads, then so be it.

“The managing staff and the people around the stadium have been really nice and welcoming and I have appreciated that.”