TEENAGER Joe Romanski says a Swindon Town debut would ‘mean the world to him’ as Phil Brown’s defensive options appear thin on the ground.

Skipper Olly Lancashire heads a hefty list of absentees at the heart of Town’s defence as his back injury has cast doubt over his fitness.

Alongside the Swindon captain, on-loan defender Rollin Menayese is unavailable after he was shown a red card in the 2-1 defeat at Newport County last weekend.

Matt Preston is back in training but is not expected to be involved on Saturday.

Should 18-year-old Romanski feature, he will be the first player born this side of the millennium to make an appearance for Town as Brown strives for a League Two play-off place.

“Making my debut will obviously mean the world to me. I’m looking forward to it if I do get the chance,” said Romanski, whose taken confidence from Scott Twine’s progression.

“The aim is to win the rest of our games. We are completely focussed on the play-off places and we know results have to go our way, but we have to do our bit first.

“I’ve known Scott (Twine) since last year and when I do come up, he has been very helpful. I wouldn’t say he took me under his wing, but he did help me to get to know a few of the boys.

“Seeing his success has made me hungry for my own. There is a pathway and I am looking to get myself down that and follow in Scott’s footsteps.”

Romanski says the step up from the youth team to the senior side was a shock to the system at first, but insists it has only added fuel to the fire as he remains determined to take his chance once he gets it.

“The step up from training with the youth team to the first team obviously takes a bit of time to get used to. It is quicker, if you make a mistake you know about it, and that’s the way it should be,” he added.

“Coming up has only motivated me to become better. I don’t expect it to be easy, I am enjoying the challenge but I’m also hungry for more. I’m looking to get myself into the team.

“I’m happy with how the season and I am looking forward to the future.

“Physically, there is a big difference too. Getting yourself down the gym to do extra is only something I can recommend, you either want it or you don’t.

“I’m just making sure that I am ready in case I am called up. It’s just part of the job to me.”