SWINDON Town manager David Flitcroft has confirmed that winger Zavon Hines will feature in tomorrow's opening pre-season friendly against Swindon Supermarine.

Hines has been trialling with the County Ground club this week and will be involved in the squad at the Webbswood Stadium.

The 28-year-old former West Ham United youth player, who has two England U21 caps and goals to his name, spent last year at Southend United.

However, having made just five appearances for the Shrimpers, the winger was one of five players released by the League One side at the end of his contract last month.

Hines previously had a trial with Swindon under Paolo Di Canio during the 2011-12 season.

“We have had a few trialists in who have paid their way to try to earn a contract with us,” said Flitcroft.

“Zavon will be in and around it, he is still with us at the moment.

“We have had trialists that have come in and gone. It’s ruthless, the world of football is harsh. The ones that have come in have not failed because they have not been honest, they have just not been up to the level required in terms of physical output.

“I have told every player that wants to come and have a look at us that this is a special football club and if you are going to get involved in it and earn a contract, you have got to make sure you can commit to everything we want.

“It’s a tough pre-season and it gives you an opportunity to look at many different aspects, physically, physiologically, how the group dynamic comes together and obvious technically and tactically.

“Tactically, up until now, we have not done that work with Zavon or the forward players. Those are all things that will be obstacles in the way that Zavon will have to prove that he can do.”

Tomorrow’s game at Supermarine is the first of six confirmed pre-season friendlies and Flitcroft is keen to add two more to his side’s programme prior to the start of the league campaign proper on August 5.

A proposed tour to Ireland has also fallen by the wayside, with the Town boss instead hoping to take his squad on a six-day training camp to Portugal, which may also include an additional warm-up game, in the middle of this month.