JORDAN Turnbull has backed new boy Sam Ricketts to step into the breach and help solve Swindon Town’s defensive crisis against Peterborough tomorrow.

Town will be without Nathan Thompson, Raphael Rossi Branco and Yaser Kasim through suspension, meaning Turnbull is set to be joined at the back by Ricketts and Jack Stephens.

Ricketts only arrived at the County Ground last month on loan from Wolves and made his debut at the base of midfield against MK Dons.

He was deployed at wing-back against Bristol City, meaning he is set for a third position in as many games against the Posh.

Turnbull, however, reckons that will not be a problem for an experienced campaigner like Ricketts.

He told the local media: “Sam is obviously a great professional and he’s got massive experience - he’s played at every level.

“He’s a great pro and learning off him has been excellent. He’s very vocal and he will help you out a lot - especially in games and in training, and, being in and around the changing room you hear a lot of stories.

“He’s a great pro and a great lad, so it’s been great to see him come into the team and help us out.

“He does (dish out advice) a lot during training and during the games, especially the other night (against Bristol City) where he was talking to me a lot, which is what I need as a young lad.

“Nathan (Thompson) is always good with that as well as the skipper, and with Nathan sat in the stands, Sam stepped up and was the vocal part of the team, so it was great.”

Turnbull has enjoyed a strong season at Town while on loan from Southampton and hopes to gather as much knowledge as he can from former Bolton ace Ricketts before he returns to Saints in the top flight.

“He’s played in the Premiership and that’s ultimately where I want to be,” added Turnbull.

“Him coming in and feeding that experience to myself and other players has been great.”