SCOTT Cuthbert is relishing the “challenge” of being Town’s vice-captain, believing the added responsibility can only serve to make him a better player.

The former Celtic youngster has worn the armband on a number of occasions already this season with regular skipper Jonathan Douglas sidelined through injury, and is expected to take on the role again as the Irish midfielder now serves a three-game ban.

Ahead of Sunday’s Boxing Day clash at Exeter, 23-year-old Cuthbert admits he has had to become more vocal as a more senior member of a youthful Swindon back line.

But the defender is enjoying the leadership experience and determined to drive Town on to three important points at St James’ Park.

“Obviously it’s unfortunate that Dougie’s out because he’s such a good player for us and such a massive player for the team,” said Cuthbert, who is the club’s only ever-present this season.

“But I enjoy it (the captaincy) when it comes. It’s a challenge and I like challenges.

“I’m trying to improve on my talking every game and get more and more used to it. That is something I have had to get used to and have had to learn pretty quickly, but I feel as the games go on the more confident I get.

“I feel myself that I’m starting to do it a bit more, so hopefully that will continue because I’m still fairly young, still trying to learn, and that’s what I’m here for.”

After heavy snow in Devon over the past week, Cuthbert is keeping his fingers crossed that Sunday’s fixture survives - with Town hoping to build on an impressive victory last time out in League One against Sheffield Wednesday.

But the Scottish B international knows only too well what a tough prospect the Grecians could prove to be.

“It would be nice for the game to be on,” he said.

“I know Exeter’s game was the only one to survive last week, and hopefully that is the case again as we are dying for a game.

“It will be a tough place though. We got two draws there last year - one in the cup and one in the league - so we know it won’t be easy. And even more so with them playing as well as they are.

“But hopefully, like we showed against Sheffield Wednesday, we can get a good result and get climbing up the league.”