JAMES Dunne says the prospect of a possible appearance at Wembley down the line is all the motivation Swindon Town need for tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy clash away at Bristol Rovers.

The West Country rivals go head-to-head in their final Southern Group C fixture at the Memorial Stadium in a straightforward winner-takes-all battle.

With both teams having won and lost one game each in the pools stages so far, the victors this evening will join West Ham United U21s in qualifying for the knockout stages.

Although any shot at silverware remains a long way off even with safe passage into the second round, the incentives are clear to see for Dunne as an appearance in the final of the competition would take Town to Wembley in April.

With chances to run out at the national stadium few and far between for players in the lower leagues, Dunne believes it would be foolish for David Flitcroft’s side to discard any opportunity that comes their way.

“It’s a local derby so we want to win, but what you have got to think about is that at the end of it, you can play at Wembley,” said midfielder Dunne.

“I haven’t played at Wembley yet and I want to play at Wembley, so we want to go through.

“We have won the last four games so going into Wednesday, we will look to do that again, and then again on Saturday against Chesterfield in the league.

“We want to keep this run going and the morale is really high.”

Town have already felt the joy of securing qualification in a cup competition this week, booking a spot in the second round of the FA Cup on Sunday with a 5-1 success away at non-league side Dartford.

That victory ended a run of five consecutive first-round exits for the club, although Dunne conceded that unwanted record did not factor into the preparation of Town’s current squad.

“We didn’t know about that record but we are all new players and we were able to change that record on Sunday,” said Dunne.

“We go into the second round now and there are big rewards. In the third round the Premier League teams come in and you want to put yourself up against the big boys.”

Dunne has proven a strong addition to the Town squad since arriving at the club on a free transfer from League Two rivals Cambridge United this summer, missing just two of Town’s 20 matches in all competitions.

The 28-year-old is currently in a run of 10 consecutive starts but says the team’s success is down to the strength of the squad, with a host of players patiently snapping at the heels of those players who currently hold the shirt.

“It is not just an 11, there are 20 players,” said Dunne.

“Whoever comes in, it is a strong squad and I think everyone knows that although it might not be them this week or next week, the third game, they will come in and take their chance.

“No player wants to miss games, whatever cup it is. I want to play every game and hopefully I can play again on Wednesday.”