MIDFIELDER Cameron McGilp went against his father’s passion for rugby and instead opted for a career in football – a decision which proved the right one after he signed a two-and-a-half year deadline day contract at Swindon Town last week.

McGilp, 20, was born in Scotland before starting his professional career with Melbourne Victory in 2017 following three years with the youth team.

Following his release from the Australian club, the adaptable midfielder returned to familiar land and signed for Birmingham City in the summer.

His work ethic in the youth team caught the attention of Town boss Richie Wellens – who took less than 48 hours to finalise a deal with the youngster.

“The day before transfer deadline day, my agent called me and said that there was some interest from Swindon,” said McGilp.

“I trained with Birmingham on deadline day and afterwards had a call. That call resulted in me travelling down to complete my medical.

“I got to Swindon in the late afternoon and we did everything I had to do and got things signed off in time.”

Wellens has gone on record to state that McGilp is unlikely to play a major role in Town’s concluding 16 League Two fixtures this season – adding he is a player he has signed for the future.

McGilp is therefore likely to fall into a similar role to central defender Taylor Curran, who joined from Southend United in January.

He hopes his work-rate will win over Town fans and described his ability to move the ball around quickly as one of his stronger points.

He added: “I hope that my work ethic and work-rate stands out.

“In terms of my strengths, I’d say I like to break up play and move the ball around quickly.

“I’m more of a passer, and hopefully the fans will take to me.

“I’ll be giving 110 per cent every time I put on the shirt.”

As for his father’s childhood passion, McGilp said he was more persuaded by his uncle’s love for 90 minutes and consequently grew up watching Southampton battle for European football in the early 2000s.

He added: “My dad played rugby at quite a high level in Scotland when he was growing up.

“He was never really into football – but my uncle was a huge influence.

“He’s a big Southampton fan, and I went to a few games with him when I was younger before starting to play when I was four or five.

“It’s been pretty much all football since then.”