TOM Broadbent has been putting in the hard yards after being made aware that his performance levels must improve if he is to remain a challenger for a starting spot at Swindon Town.

Broadbent, who joined the club on a two-and-a-half-year deal back in January, came under fire from both fans and management following his performance in Town’s 3-0 home defeat to Colchester United last month.

The 27-year-old played for an hour after Mathieu Baudry was forced off the pitch with a heel injury, which the Frenchman continues to recover from and consequently isn’t expected to appear against Bradford City tomorrow.

Frank Nouble’s simple tap and run around Broadbent prior to United’s third goal in particular frustrated Town fans.

But, determined to prove his worth, Broadbent has been carrying out extra levels of training in an attempt to force his way back into Richie Wellens’ side.

Assistant manager Noel Hunt said: “Tom knows himself that he didn’t have the greatest game against Colchester. He held his hands up.

“It’s down to Tom to take it on the chin, and it’s a big learning curve for him also. He hasn’t been in the game that long.

“He’s doing his extras every day. We’re building him up again.

“We told Tom how it is. We sat down with him a couple of times and he accepted what we said.”

With Mathieu Baudry unlikely to play a part at Bradford and club captain Dion Conroy out for months, Broadbent’s status within Wellens’ defensive options will be highlighted no more so than an hour before kick-off at Valley Parade when the Town boss names his team to face Bradford.

The same applies in midfield and up front, with Keshi Anderson (hamstring) not expected to feature, while loanee Eoin Doyle will miss out playing against his parent club.

Diallang Jaiyesimi (ankle) also remains absent – but the Norwich City loanee is expected to return to full time training in the next week.

Therefore, it’s possible that the experienced Anthony Grant could again feature at centre-back while Town’s management chase the signature of a free agent to cover for Conroy.

Hunt added: “Anthony Grant has played in defence before

“He’s comfortable on the ball and can defend.

“He did well on Saturday against Newport. He did the right things.”