THERE were no surprises for Swindon Town chief Mark Cooper as he watched new signing Kevin Stewart make his debut against Solihull Moors.

The 21-year-old joined Town on loan from Premier League giants Liverpool in the build-up to Saturday’s friendly clash with the Reds’ city rivals Everton and played the second 45 minutes in defence as an experimental line-up was bested 3-1 at non-league Solihull on Tuesday evening.

Versatile Stewart, who came through the ranks at Tottenham Hotspur and had a successful loan spell at League Two champions Burton Albion last season, featured alongside fellow Liverpool loanee Jordan Williams in the Midlands and Cooper was suitably impressed with his new charge’s display.

“I thought he looked very good. I thought he looked very accomplished at the back and exactly what we knew he is,” said the Town manager.

“Kev can play left-back, centre-half, midfield; so he covers a variety of positions and Jordan can play centre-back or in midfield, so it’s vital with us having a small squad.”

Nathan Thompson also continued his recovery from the hamstring injury that forced him off during last season’s League One play-off final at Wembley, with Cooper declaring that he has no more concerns over the skipper’s fitness.

He said: “Perfect. Fine. So it’s full systems go for the captain.”

Midfielder Drissa Traore, who put pen to paper on a one-year deal with the option of a further season on Monday, wasn’t at Solihull as he went through the logistics of relocating to Wiltshire from France whilst Jermaine Hylton and Yaser Kasim were also missing but both are expected to be back fit for Saturday’s trip to Sydenhams League side Petersfield Town.

“Drissa’s obviously signed his contract and he’s gone back to France to get his belongings and bring them over to Swindon,” said Cooper.

“He’s exactly what we’re about from midfield players. He understands the game, can speed it up, slow it down, and he can win the ball back quickly for us.

“Jermaine’s had a bit of a bug and lost a bit of weight and Yaser’s rolled his ankle in training but (it is) just precautionary.”

Cooper also confirmed that trialist Jamie Sendles-White is no longer with the club.

The 21-year-old former Queens Park Rangers defender featured for Stevenage on Tuesday evening.