PAUL Sturrock has hailed Jon-Paul McGovern's Beckham-like matchwinning talents and insists last night's cup tie was just a sign of things to come.

The ex-MK Dons' midfielder starred on his debut, with his new boss describing him as a "fantastic signing for Swindon Town".

Sturrock said: "I would be very surprised if Simon Cox had missed his one because it was put on a plate for him.

"I say the boy McGovern showed tonight the qualities he can bring to the club.

"JP is I think going to be a fantastic signing for us because he can play both sides and there is going to be a lot of pressure on the two who have the jersey.

"I was very pleased with his contribution tonight and he showed the fans what he is all about. He is, dare I say it, a Beckham type player who all of a sudden can open doors for you."

McGovern was just one of seven making their full Town competitive debut last night as Paul Sturrock picked a sprinkling of youth team players, new signings and squad players.

Callum Kennedy, Chris Allen, Chris Blackburn, Mauro Almeida, Miguel Comminges and Ibon Arrieta were also given first starts.

He said: "It was the right opportunity to have a look at everyone else and give them the opportunity to show me what they can do and a lot came out with credit.

"The left back did very well. Callum Kennedy has a great left foot and showed his development is going in the right direction.

"Chris Blackburn was on the end of two set pieces and now is our top goal scorer.

"He has taken a long time to fit in. He has been a midfielder all his life and now all of a sudden is a centre back.

"Sloop's (John Blackley) probably been a bit hard on him. We did not think his fitness levels were up there but he is improving dramatically each week."

Ibon Arrieta and Simon Cox both got on the scoresheet as Sturrock's attacking options suddenly become more healthy.

He said: "I have no problems about Arrieta's goalscoring ability. He is a penalty box player. Where we have had the problem is he plays a completely different game to how we play it in Britain.

"The reserve league is taking so long to kick in we have not been able to get him understanding what we are looking for. He has played loads of game dropping deep and we don't play that way.

"I was very pleased with Kaid Mohamed's contribution when he came on. It is nice to have the presence of two or three strikers and it definitely gave an edge to us."