HEAD coach Luke Williams says Swindon Town’s players have December to prove their worth within the squad or fear dropping down the pecking order behind potential new signings.

Director of football Tim Sherwood stated his intentions to add experienced faces to what is a youthful Town camp upon taking over the role at the County Ground in the middle of November.

The first opportunity Sherwood will have to bring in new recruits will be when the transfer window re-opens in the new year.

Williams has now put the onus on the club’s current players to stake their claim for a prominent place in the side with good performances this month, otherwise they could well see themselves pushed to the fringes of the squad.

Town played their first fixture for 10 days on Tuesday night when they were knocked out of the Checkatrade Trophy at home to League Two side Luton Town at the County Ground.

It was a largely inexperienced Swindon side that were beaten by the Hatters and Williams hopes to see his first-team regulars make a roaring return when they make their comebacks in Saturday’s trip to Sheffield United in League One.

“It’s drawing to the transfer window and if players are not seen to be performing well enough, then somebody will come in in that position if possible, if we can make those signings,” said Williams.

“It is a time where everybody really needs to be on top form.

“We didn’t see all the players out on the pitch (on Tuesday). Particularly, some of the players who have carried the heaviest burden weren’t on the pitch.

“I am looking forward to Saturday to see if some of the key players, who have really had to do the bulk of the work, are rejuvenated slightly. Fingers crossed for that.”

Teenage forward Jordan Young made his first Town appearance since August 13 against the Hatters,while striker Jermaine Hylton also returned to the side for the first time since mid-September, having been sent out on loan to non-league Guiseley, only to see that cut short by injury.

Williams was glad to see both of them back in action and also praised the performance of 18-year-old Jake Evans, who made his maiden first-team start in an unfamiliar right-back position.

“It was brilliant to see both (Young and Hylton) on the pitch and they had a chance to impress Tim and show what their game is about and their personality, so hopefully they have shown enough for them to be in consideration in the future,” said Williams.

“I saw a lot from Jake, real personality to play in a position he has not really played, and then to really play his way into the game and show so much confidence and maturity; I am very pleased for him and very impressed with his performance.”