PAUL Bodin believes teenager Lloyd Macklin is set for a sparkling Town future, and is confident it won’t take long for the County Ground crowd to warm to the winger.

Following a prolific goalscoring season from the right side of midfield for Town’s youth and reserve sides, Macklin made his league debut with a substitute appearance at Brighton on Saturday.

The 17-year-old, pictured, then came off the bench for the final 26 minutes as Swindon slipped to a home defeat against Leyton Orient, but Bodin believes Macklin’s pace can play a big part in achieving Town success over the next few years.

“I know what he’s all about. He’s got great delivery and scores goals – he’s got about 30 for the youth team,” said Bodin of the youngster who has progressed through Swindon’s centre of excellence.

“We all know it’s a step up, but he can deliver. It’s a case of him blending in and getting a bit more relaxed in that environment.

“Danny is obviously still looking at people, judging them and analysing them as he sees them. And Lloyd doing well for the reserves, Danny obviously thought he could come off the bench and show his blistering pace when the opposition get tired.

“It didn’t quite work for him Monday but I’m sure he’s got a great future in the game.

“He’s a young lad – still only 17 – and has to keep working. But as an attacking threat he will give the team something we haven’t got in abundance – a lot of pace.

“Hopefully he will be able to put pressure on the more experienced players next year.”

Following a couple of nervous early touches on Monday sections of the Town fans were quick to vent their frustrations at the wide man.

But Bodin believes it was a case of disappointment at a poor result rather than any personal anger towards the teenager.

“That’s football isn’t it?” said Bodin. “The crowd love a worker, a chaser and a hassler. Lloyd made one or two delayed errors, running the ball off the pitch a couple of times and then not chasing one over the top which didn’t quite go out of play.

“The supporters were disappointed with the whole game and Lloyd just happened to be in the wrong area at that moment in time.

“They will warm to him though, no doubt about it. The crowd love people running at full-backs and seeing crosses come in and that will happen for Lloyd in due course.”