SWINDON Town midfielder Amine Linganzi is looking to repay the faith shown in him by manager David Flitcroft as he looks for back-to-back promotions following his summer switch.

Having helped Portsmouth back to League One last season, the former Congo international is looking for a repeat this term, with one difference, playing a more influential role on the pitch for his new club.

The 27-year-old made 23 appearances for Pompey last season, but only 11 of those came as starts in the league.

As a result, Linganzi, who turns 28 in November, admitted he had to put in extra work before returning for pre-season to ensure he was up to speed with the rest of the group and could hit the ground running.

Flitcroft has made it clear to the central midfielder he is pivotal to the club’s plans of making an instant return to League One this season, with Linganzi having featured in all of Town’s pre-season friendlies barring the last game with Chippenham Town, and he wants to make sure that trust is not miss-placed.

“I have been working hard before the pre-season because I know that I am going to be 28 years old this season,” he told the Adver.

“I was ready to work hard.

“All the other players will want you fit. Especially when they look at my starts, I haven’t played a lot of games in recent years so I have to make sure I am 100 per cent fit for the pre-season.

“Then, during the pre-season, I have been working with the lads and going forward for the first game of the season.

“I don’t think there is any pressure on me. I just need to be focussed and make things happen.

“The gaffer believes in me so now I am going to spend the game time to know the players and that is the most important thing for me.”

Linganzi, who describes himself as a box-to-box midfielder, despite being pigeon-holed during his career for his physical attributes as a more defensive midfielder, now turns his attention to his first season at the County Ground.

He is hoping that he can show the dynamic side of his game and believes, given the opportunity,. he will also be a source of goals for the team from midfield.

“Last season was a good season but now, that is in the past,” he added.

“It is really difficult for me because I am very tall and strong and automatically managers will judge me on my strength and not on my skills.

“Last season, I played three or four games in an attacking role and scored one goal and provided some assists.

“I think, if the coach gives me the opportunity to go forward, that would be good for me.”

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