TOWN’S new midfield enforcer is hoping to give his mentor a dressing down at the New Den tonight, as he returns to the ground where he started his football apprenticeship.

Dubbed “The Wardrobe” by teammate Simon Cox, after his likeness to Portsmouth midfielder Papa Bouba Diop, Patrick Kanyuka admits he is still coming to terms with his new role after making the recent switch from defence.

But the 21-year-old might not have been playing professional football at all had it not been for Millwall assistant manager Joe Gallen.

Kanyuka began his career as an apprentice at the New Den, but after a short switch to Leyton Orient, Gallen took him to QPR when he was youth team boss at Loftus Road.

Swindon’s Congolese international admits he has a lot to thank his former manager for but is relishing the chance to put one over him and pick up another three points for his current employers.

“It’s familiar territory up there,” admitted Kanyuka.

“I was at Millwall as an academy player, and their assistant Joe Gallen brought me through at QPR.

“Joe’s a good bloke, fun to have around and it will be good to catch up.

“He found a lot of youngsters. At QPR he brought them from nowhere and got them somewhere. We all came through at the same time, so it was a good achievement.

“I’ve got a lot to thank him for and have got a lot of time for him. He’s really done well for other people and myself.

“When I was at Millwall I never got to play at the New Den because I left when I was 16.

“Tony Craig was a bit older, but he’s the only one still there. The rest have all moved on - guys like Cherno Samba and Marvin Elliott.”

Kanyuka admits he is still learning the ropes as a midfielder, but he believes the confidence spreading through Swindon’s dressing room can help them go to play-off chasers Millwall and get a result.

“I’m just grafting and learning game by game.” he said. “A couple of weeks ago it was Chrissy Allen talking me through it and now it’s Tims (Michael Timlin).

“The manager’s shown faith in me so I’m just going to do my best for the team and for him. I’m just doing a job and really want to play.

“We’ve got nothing to fear against any team in this league.

“We’ve had some bad results, but the new gaffer has brought a lot of good things in so it’s all positive from now.

“He’s got us in a fearless mental frame of mind, and we’re playing with confidence which is a big factor.”