SIMON Ferry was the only fit player in the Swindon Town squad who deserved to be handed the captain’s armband for the 2-0 home defeat to Macclesfield, according to manager Paolo Di Canio.

Ferry skippered the Robins for the first time in a competitive fixture, having taken on the responsibilities for half a friendly game in Italy in July, and led from the front with one of the better individual performances on a wretched afternoon overall for Town.

After the game, his manager revealed that he continues to be impressed by the Scot’s work ethic in training and that his professionalism alone meant he deserved the chance to captain the team.

However, he suggested that – other than the injured Tommy Miller and regular skipper Alan McCormack – there is not another player in the first-team squad that he would want to lead his side.

“I think, to be honest, during the training sessions every single day he is one that gives his best. He is an important player, he will be in the future,” he said.

“He’s still young but, to be honest, apart from Tommy Miller who proved to me that he should have the armband when McCormack is out, there is not a real contention for this.

“Darren Ward is an experienced guy but he has only had two months with me. I want to see in the future if I can move to him.

“In my opinion Simon deserves it more.

“He always gives his best, he is a professional guy and this is why he deserves to have the armband and that satisfaction.

“Now he has been here three-and-a-half years and he deserves it because he wears a Swindon shirt with pride and with honour and he deserves to wear the armband.”