Jacob Wakeling has been falling in love with football again since joining Swindon Town this summer.

The 20-year-old assisted Harry McKirdy’s opener against Woking on Tuesday and impressed at The Laithwaite Community Stadium up front alongside Swindon’s top scorer from last season.

Wakeling has twice been released from top clubs and is enjoying the experience of being with the first team squad at the County Ground.

Wakeling said to club media: “I’m only 20 but have had to rebuild my career already having been released by West Brom, played non-league and then signed for Leicester City, only to be released again, so it has been tough and I’ve had to fall back in love with the game.

“I’ve come to Swindon and that’s exactly what has happened. In the short time I’ve been here I’ve learnt a lot about myself and the team. I have a strong mentality and really want to succeed here and make a difference.

“We may be a young team and more experience will be drafted in, but I think the Woking performance gave people a taste of what we are capable of. I know it’s just a friendly but you still want to play well and put in good team displays.”

The former Leicester City man thinks he has plenty to learn from McKirdy when it comes to becoming more ruthless in front of goal.

He said: “I think it was a much better performance all round from the team with more energy, better decision making and we were certainly better with the ball.

“It was great to get a good run out and I gave everything I had out there, I was just a bit frustrated not to score myself, but happy to play a part in a good win for the team at an important stage of pre-season.

“For me it was all about putting in a good display and showing that I have the key attributes to do well here and become a regular starter. Of course as a striker you always want to score goals, but I was pleased to setup Harry for one of his.

“Harry is a superb forward and a player I’ve followed for some time. He suits the way the team plays and he’s a natural finisher, so I’m hoping to learn and build a good relationship with him up front and think we can finish with an impressive goal tally this season.”