PAT Kanyuka was given a painful introduction to the rigours of League One football but he insists he still will not be ducking out of any challenges as he bids to repay Swindon's faith in him.

The Congolese defender made an impressive debut at the heart of Town's defence in Tuesday night's 1-0 win at Luton, despite having to play the last quarter with a bandage over his head covering a deep wound.

Post-match he received six stitches - after being kicked in the head by old pal Paul Furlong, but the hurly burly nature of lower league football will not daunt the ambitious youngster.

Kanyuka was released by Championship outfit QPR just a fortnight ago, after injuries saw his obvious potential fail to live up to expectations at Loftus Road, before being picked up by Robins' boss Maurice Malpas.

Jerel Ifil's suspension handed him his chance sooner than was expected, and now he is just keen to help Town into the Championship and show Malpas he has made the right decision.

He said: "A lot of things happened in the game. I got a nice memory of my first game back.

"But it is good to get that first kick on the backside to make me know it is not going to be easy in this league so it is good experience.

"I wanted to stay on the pitch and wanted to repay the manager's faith in me, I was not going off and it was great to help get those three points.

"Swindon have given me my new chance and I am thankful for that. It is up to me show the manager, the fans and the other players what I can do and that I was not a mistake."

In a twist of fate, Kanyuka's debut saw him directly up against former QPR teammate Paul Furlong, right, as he was given a tough test for his first League One game.

Wily campaigner Furlong has scored goals throughout his career but Kanyuka dealt admirably with his pace and power, undoubtedly finishing the game the winner of that individual battle.

He said: "Funnily enough I used to tease Furlong at QPR for doing that.

"I used to say Furs you are sweet in the eye but a terrier on the pitch', and he showed me that today. I know how defenders felt like last season.

"It was good to play against him though because I knew all about his movement so it is good. I thought I did okay as well but I obviously need to continue that for the rest of the season, and improve."

While Kanyuka was impressing the away travelling at Kenilworth Road, skipper Hasney Aljofree was doing all he could to help the new man settle in - something that did not go unappreciated.

He said: "Hasney really helped me out. He is very experienced I have gained a lot already.

"It is strange for me to say that after just one game but I have gained from playing alongside him.

"He is a different sort of player, he is more vocal and I really appreciated his help.

"I got first hand experience of the challenges that do fly around in League One.

"You don't really get too much time on the ball and I have got the scars to prove that.

"It was not a very good game. Luton are battlers and the situation they are in now they were looking to impress the new manager. But we certainly matched them."

While Kanyuka & co stayed solid at one end, Christian Roberts' stunning solo strike won the game for Town on Tuesday with the Congo hopeful admitting the quality of the strike was no surprise.

He said: "I have seen Robbo score goals like that in training all the time.

"He did it on Thursday so it is natural to me already.

"I will see the physio and see what he has to say about Saturday. I will see how the cut heals but if he gives me the go-ahead I would love to play."