JOE Devera should get his chance to make a return to the starting line-up today, and the defender hopes to provide Paolo Di Canio with a welcome selection headache in the future.

The former Barnet centre-back, who was Di Canio’s first signing in the summer, was arguably one of Town’s best players earlier in the season but an injury sidelined him for a number of weeks.

During his absence, the partnership of Aden Flint and Alan McCormack flourished and Devera has had to wait patiently for a chance to impress once again.

That will likely come in today’s game at Rotherham, with McCormack missing the trip to South Yorkshire through suspension.

And if selected, Devera is determined to make the most of the opportunity.

“I am really looking forward to playing again and hopefully we can put in a good performance and do well,” he said.

“I obviously couldn’t expect to come in when we were not conceding goals and doing well but it has just been a matter of working hard and waiting to take my chance.

“When you are injured you basically have to start from scratch and try and get back into the side.

“But I have just kept my head down, worked hard and hopefully I will play.”

The partnership of Flint and McCormack has contributed to Swindon becoming one of the best defensive sides in English football.

“They have been outstanding, not just the two centre-backs but the whole back four,” added Devera.

“I have just got to stay focused, stay fit and hopefully put a good performance in if I am chosen to play.”

Devera was involved in Town’s matchday squad for the first time this year when he was named among the substitutes against his former club Barnet.

The 24-year-old climbed off the bench in the second half to a good reception from the home fans, and he was happy to catch up with a few familiar faces.

“I was happy to be just involved at first,” he said. “I went into their dressing room after the game and spoke to a few old friends there.

“I was happy with the reception I got, glad I didn’t get booed but I thought it was good and so I was pleased with it.

“I had my whole career there. I was there for five years and I think I will always love the club.”

  • THERE was no further progress on the transfer front yesterday, with Oxford’s James Constable reiterating via Twitter that he had not asked the club for permission to speak to Swindon after a bid for the striker was rejected.