YOU wouldn’t class Cameron McGilp as a Scottish-born midfielder upon first glance - his distinct Aussie accent perhaps being a standout feature.

But Swindon Town have a determined, bright and enthusiastic youngster keen to develop his personal game on their hands.

The 21-year-old suffered a psychological blow in early February, just hours after joining Town on a two-and-a-half year deal when sustaining an ankle injury that looked likely to rule him out of first-team action for the remainder of the season.

Quick work from the club’s team of physios and members of coaching staff helped the former Melbourne Victory man pick himself up though, as he made his Swindon debut on the final day of the 2018-19 League Two season against Notts County at the County Ground.

That day is always likely to remain engraved in McGilp’s mind. But he has high ambitions to generate more memories this season, and a strong summer of fitness work down under has stood him in good stead ahead of pre-season.

He said: “When I signed, I was hopeful of playing a few more games during the run in – but my ankle injury had to be sorted. It was quite demoralising at the time.

“The physio team and coaching staff here have been fantastic, they allowed me to be fit enough to be included in the squad for the last game of last season.

“I’ve worked hard in the off-season to make sure my ankle is strong enough and so that I am personally fit too. Testing at Southampton wasn’t fun, but I did well in that.

“Right now, I want to stay fit and finish pre-season without an injury. Then we can kick on from there.”

Town are a general 9/2 chance with bookmakers to earn promotion from League Two at the third time of asking following their relegation from the third tier in 2017.

Early additions to the squad made by boss Richie Wellens have encouraged McGilp, who is pleased by the squad’s depth and Wellens’ approach to quality over quantity.

He added: “I was hoping to come in and make an impact on the team and help us push for a play-off spot when I joined. I feel my body in general is now a lot stronger than it was.

“Hopefully this year can be a big one for me.

“We’ve got a good group and the competition for places is already strong.

“I don’t see any weak links in positions where we’re lacking options.

“The academy graduates have come back really fit, which is good to see. And the experienced boys have too – it’s a good mix and the team has gelled well.

“There are players that could play higher, in that sense we are lucky to have them here.”