NATHAN Thompson is hoping to have the chance to one day play alongside his brother in the Swindon Town first team, but knows he first needs to convince the incoming manager he is worthy of a new deal.

The 20-year-old is one of nine players out of contract in the summer and his future remains very much up in the air, with the decision to offer him a new deal down to whoever the board chooses to replace Paul Hart.

Thompson made his full league debut in November last year as Town were beaten 3-0 by Charlton, but then had to wait until the last game of the season before starting another game, impressing at right-back as the Robins signed off with a 2-0 win at Tranmere.

The youngster has shown plenty of promise in the reserves and could certainly play a part in League Two next year.

Thompson himself is desperate to stay, especially with his younger brother Louis coming into the youth team next season and he would love the chance to one day play alongside his sibling.

“He is 16 and will be in the youth team next year. He plays centre midfield, so hopefully it will be a good season for us both,” he said.

“We played a reserve team game for the first time ever towards the end of the season (against Forest Green Rovers) and that was brilliant. Hopefully next season we will be able to kick on.”

Thompson is well aware that he needs to be challenging for more starts next season.

The defender was seen as one of the most promising youngsters at the club after joining as a trainee back in 2007 and was linked with a move to a host of Premier League sides including Tottenham and Arsenal.

However, he has found first team chances limited in recent seasons, with Paul Caddis and Kevin Amankwaah ahead of him in the pecking order at right back, and has made just four appearances in all competitions.

“My appearances had been sporadic but when Paul (Bodin) came in as caretaker manager he was my youth team boss and he had a bit of faith in me, so hopefully I repaid him,” added Thompson.

“He is brilliant. All the lads were saying that training, passing drills have all come on under him and I enjoyed the last few weeks under him.

“He lifted spirits, we were low after Sheffield Wednesday when we were relegated but the way he rallied the troops was brilliant.

“All I can do is when I get the opportunity I have to try and impress and plant the seed of thought.

“Obviously there is no manager in place yet so whoever comes in will hopefully see what I have done in the appearances I have had and then we can go from there.

“Swindon is where I want to be. I'd love to get games under my belt and start gaining some experience. I am 21 this year so I need to start playing football.

“Hopefully next season we can be successful and get promotion at the first time of asking.”