MATHIEU Baudry believes he is ready to take his chance in the heart of the Swindon Town defence once again and says returning to form is “like riding a bike.”

The 34-year-old is likely to be handed a lengthy run in Scott Lindsey’s side after club captain Angus MacDonald was ruled out for between eight and 12 weeks with a dislocated collarbone against Northampton Town last weekend.

Baudry has been in and out of the side during the opening quarter of the season and has played six times with one fleeting appearance in second-half stoppage time against Sutton United.

But set to build on those numbers, the Frenchman has assured fans he will not let anyone down following a largely excellent display against Newport County on Tuesday night.

Baudry said: “I’ll be honest, when I was out of the team I was not really panicking that much. I know the season is very long.

“People would say to me: “are you ready for your chance when it comes?” I’m always getting ready because I know how a season usually works.

“I feel like I came out of the team when I don’t think I necessarily did anything wrong, but that’s just football.

“You’ve got to keep working hard, practicing every day in training, and be ready so that you’re not surprised when your time comes – that’s what I’m trying to do.

“At the end of the day, it’s football, so when you’re out there – it’s like riding a bike, isn’t it?”

A significant part of Town’s ever-improving start to the season, Tom Clayton will probably be the one to partner his more experienced colleague in the heart of defence against Stevenage on Saturday.

Baudry was full of praise for Clayton in Thursday’s pre-match press conference and revealed the 21-year-old produces similarly-high standards in a game as he does behind closed doors.

Baudry said: “I love him (Clayton), I think he’s got a very bright future.

“I think people can see out there, he’s very calm and composed. For a young lad, he talks really well. And he’ll also listen really well too. He’s very receptive, and he’s the same in training.

“He’s got a good head on his shoulders, and he’s always listening to what you’ve got to tell him.

“You can see he keeps improving, and for someone who is in his first season in men’s football I think he’s doing great. I think he’ll only get better as times goes on.”