DAVID Ball has backed trialist John Campbell to earn a County Ground contract, following the striker’s quick-fire hat-trick for Town’s reserves yesterday.

Campbell, who currently turns out for Northern League outfit Newcastle Benfield, stuck three goals past Torquay in the opening 36 minutes as the sides drew a thrilling contest 5-5.

Loanee Ball played up front with the rookie and is already well aware of him having both been on the books at Manchester City. And Ball believes Campbell is capable of making an impact in League One.

“I know John from City as he was there for a couple of years and a year older than me,” he explained.

“He’s a decent player and a raw talent. He has shown what he is capable of, and it was good to play up front with him. Maybe things didn’t go right for John at City and he had off-the-field stuff, but he’s obviously found his head now and said this is the right time for him.

“You don’t always know what you are going to get from him, but John is a very good player and there is no reason why he can’t come here and get a contract.

“I think he’s capable of it (playing in League One). John has a lot of pace and is a good finisher.

“He probably needs a few games in there to find his feet, but when he does there is no reason why he can’t adapt to this league.”

Youth team coach Paul Bodin took charge of the reserves yesterday and was equally pleased with the front man, who will have impressed watching first team manager Danny Wilson with a trio of fine finishes against the Gulls - his second trial game for Swindon.

“When you come on trial you are looking to make a mark, and he certainly did that,” said the former Welsh international.

“The gaffer will be making a decision on what we are going to do with him, but he looked a little bit stronger, wiser and fitter this time.

“John did what he had to do and what we expected him to do. He held the ball up well, linked up well and his all-round game looked good.

“Whether the gaffer thinks that is good enough for League One remains to be seen, but he will be quite pleased and will be wondering what more he can do.”