SWINDON Town loanee Benn Ward says he hopes to bring strong defensive qualities, versatility, and a vocal range to rival that of his defensive peers during his time at the County Ground this season.

Town’s newest addition was speaking ahead of what could be his competitive debut against Peterborough United in the League Cup on Tuesday night.

The 19-year-old began his career at Brighton and Hove Albion before moving swiftly on to Hastings United, where he got his first taste of men’s first team football at just 16 years old.

Ward joined the Robins on a season long-loan from Burnley last Friday where he has gained experience from Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany and Swindon Town academy graduate Scott Twine, who is now having a taste of stardom himself.

Despite being a natural centre back, Ward can also offer help in other areas of the pitch, including midfield.

The new Robin said: “I’ve played left-back and I’ve played midfield, so there’s different areas of the pitch where I feel like I can help the team.

“I feel comfortable on the ball and I feel like I can play out through the back quite quickly, as well as being strong in defence.”

Flynn’s new addition was a key part of Burnley’s Under 21s squad last season and trained with the first team on numerous occasions, following Kompany’s preferred style of playing out from the back.

And the Hastings born defender feels like he can bring this into Flynn’s system too.

Ward said: “Vincent Kompany taught us the way of playing out from the back, and speaking to the manager (Flynn), I’m positive that we will try and implement that here.

“I’ve missed men’s football, so I’m looking forward to getting back into it and getting started.”

Swindon Advertiser:

A big part of Burnley’s squad in their promotion to the top flight was Swindon’s former star Scott Twine, despite him being injured during key parts of the campaign.

Ward is hopeful he can hit the ground running at his new temporary home and revealed he has spoken to Twine about the move.

The defender said: “I’ve spoken to him [Twine] at the training ground, and he’s a really good lad. He’s doing well at Burnley, which is nice to see.

“Fingers crossed I can do something like he did here, help the club out and get as close to promotion as we can.”

Awaiting Ward is his initiation song, and after Udoka Godwin-Malife’s stellar cover of John Legend’s “All of me” went viral, the youngster has a lot to live up to, but he has a few ideas in mind already.

“Possibly Angels by Robbie Williams, I’ve been in my car stressing about it but yeah hopefully it’ll be all good!”