HAVING secured his move to Championship big boys QPR Ben Gladwin has credited Swindon Town with igniting his professional career.

Gladwin was plucked by Town from Southern League Division One side Marlow in November 2013, making a handful of appearances in League One and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy during the 2013-14 season.

This season, especially in the last two months, Gladwin has really come to the fore.

The midfielder scored eight goals in his last seven appearances for the Robins, taking his season’s tally to 11.

Having been a full-time professional for less than two seasons Gladwin, who was also linked with a move to Aston Villa, is clearly taken aback by his rise to one of the Championship’s top clubs, but has his sights on playing higher.

However the 22-year-old knows he would not have got the opportunity to further his talents had he not been spotted and taken on by Swindon.

“It’s been quite quick that it’s all happened from where I started out,” he told the Advertiser. “I’m looking forward to going and starting a new challenge at QPR.

“I’m grateful for everything Swindon have done for me. I wouldn’t have come out of non-league if it wasn’t for them, my time there was fantastic and I’m grateful to everyone that helped me along the way.

“Most importantly I’m thankful to the fans who supported me at Swindon.

“My aim is to kick on to the Premier League absolutely.

“Every footballer aims to get there if they can. I’ll try and get there at some point in my career and if I can get there with QPR then fantastic.”

Gladwin joins Massimo Luongo at Loftus Road. The two are good friends, but will no longer be housemates due to a change in personal circumstances for the Australian international.

“It’s comforting to move with Mass, we are good friends but I don’t think we’ll be flatmates anymore because he’s got his wedding on Saturday,” Gladwin added.

“I won’t be best man, but I’ll be there and I wish him well.”