TAIJO Teniste had the chance to play English football taken from him last year and he is determined not to let the same happen again as he looks to earn a contract with Swindon Town.

The Estonia international has long been an admirer of the English game and was handed the chance to realise his dream of playing in England when Doncaster Rovers invited him for a trial.

The Championship side were impressed with what they saw of the left back, who is also capable of playing on either wing, and were keen to sort out a permanent deal.

But Teniste was still contracted to Levadia Tallinn in his native Estonia and Doncaster cooled their interest when a fee could not be agreed.

Paolo Di Canio earlier this week offered Teniste a second opportunity to earn a contract with a side in England after inviting the 23-year-old to the Robins’ pre-season training camp in Italy.

“Last year I was on trial with Doncaster Rovers and they liked me but at the time my club were asking too much money,” he told the Advertiser.

“Maybe Swindon became aware of me then and that is where their interest came from.”

Like many of those who have either made permanent moves to Swindon or been offered the chance to impress on trial, Teniste is thrilled to have the chance to work with someone he admired greatly as a player.

“I remember him when he played in England. He is a very good trainer and the sessions have been tough, but I like it," he said.

“I love English football. It is very quick with short passes but in Estonia we play long ball and I do not like this.

“Paolo was a great player and he wants to play football and this interests me.”

But that which proved a stumbling block last time has the potential to scupper a deal again.

Teniste has five months remaining on his contract with Levadia, meaning Town will likely have to pay a fee should they be interested in his services.

For now Teniste is unsure exactly what will happen, but will continue to try and impress Di Canio in Italy in the hope he will yet be given the chance to play in England.

“We have not spoken yet about a permanent deal, but I will do my best and we will see what happens,” he added.

“I like the players here, they have all been very good and I feel I have settled in well here.”