LEE Holmes will be doing his utmost to inspire a Saddlers victory at the County Ground this afternoon, but the Walsall winger admits he could easily have been running out in the red of Swindon Town.

A hit with supporters during a brief loan spell at Swindon in 2004/05, Holmes almost signed for the Robins last summer, before opting to stay and fight for his place at Derby County.

The 20-year-old midfielder insists he was on the verge of moving to Wiltshire, but the uncertainty surrounding BEST Holdings' failed takeover of the club persuaded him to remain at Pride Park.

After struggling to force his way into the Derby team, Holmes signed on loan for Walsall until the end of the season, and barring injury should take his place on the left wing this afternoon.

"I came down to Swindon to watch a few games last summer at the time the first takeover was going on," Holmes revealed.

"A move to Swindon was on the cards, but things were a little uncertain at the club back then and my main aim was to get back in the first team at Derby.

"When Walsall came in for me it was an easier decision because it's a bit closer to home, and I already knew a few of the lads there.

"I'm really looking forward to coming back to Swindon though. I just question what kind of reception I'm going to get. Hopefully it will be a good one."

Ironically, Holmes' first game for Walsall was the 2-2 draw against Town at the Banks's Stadium in January.

With both sides gunning for a top six finish, and Walsall currently occupying the final play-off berth, Holmes admits today's game takes on extra significance.

He said: "It's going to be another tough game. I know Swindon have got games in hand and I think they will be pushing for the play-offs.

"Whoever takes the points is going to be really happy that they have made some ground on the other teams.

"It was a difficult game the last time we played. Swindon were very well organised and I thought they played well.

"In the end we managed to scrape a point out of it, but it was a close run thing."

Holmes has already made seven starts for the Saddlers since January 11, netting twice, and he would dearly love to add to that tally at the County Ground.

But whatever the outcome of this crucial League One encounter, Holmes insists he will be keeping his fingers crossed for a bright future at Swindon Town.

He said: "The fans will be delighted to have something to shout about now.

"Hopefully the club is in safe hands and it can start to move forward again.

"I'm really enjoying my time at Walsall and this is another club with a bright future.

"A lot of people we say we are not the best team in the league, but we have a great spirit and that's why we've been on such a good run.

"Hopefully we can keep that going against Swindon."