SWINDON Town head coach Luke Williams is not afraid to give youth a chance this campaign if the moment is right.

On Tuesday night, Ellis Iandolo was handed his second start in succession while Tom Smith was handed his first league start in a red jersey as he played the full 90 minutes in the 3-0 win over Rochdale.

Meanwhile, the bench had an average age of just below 19, with 18-year-old Jake Evans given a brief cameo after Nathan Thompson had put the result beyond doubt with 10 minutes remaining.

Smith impressed on his full league debut, with some suggesting he should keep his place in the side for this weekend’s visit of Walsall.

Williams was also pleased with the impact the young midfielder had made and admitted that Smith, who featured heavily in pre-season, had forced his way into the side on merit.

“You need to be brave when you are in the bottom of the division and you have to make a big decision,” Williams told the local media, having been forced to re-think his plans with Yaser Kasim serving a one-match suspension and Conor Thomas filling in for Raphael Branco, who was also suspended.

“You can try to reshuffle the pack and put somebody out of position who is more experienced but Tom has shown and he has earned my trust and respect to put him in, and I think he gave a good account of himself.”

On the bench, there was an unfamiliar face to many at the County Ground in the form of Australian midfielder James Georgaklis.

The 17-year-old, who turns 18 next month, joined last summer from Manly United after a successful trial spell earned him a two-year youth deal at the club.

While Williams is keen to have the strongest matchday squad possible, injuries and suspensions have forced his hand so far this season and he is happy to let the next generation have a taste of being involved in a game.

“He has been earmarked as the next Massimo Luongo, which is incredibly big boots to fill,” added the Town chief.

“He is a talented boy, who is very committed, really works hard, very diligent; so he is earning the right to get one step closer to the first team and one step closer to the pitch.

“I think it is just a good experience, to warm up, to be on the bench, and then maybe to think, at one moment, that you might be called into action. I am sure there are a few cartwheels in the stomach.

“I am pleased to see so many young players on the bench.

“Of course, we always want to have the strongest team but when one door shuts, another one opens.”