Gavin Gunning said that Joel McGregor has put himself in line for more playing time after impressing off the bench for Swindon Town.

McGregor was introduced in the 74th minute against Sutton United with Town 3-0 down, but he made a positive impact in his time on the field, getting forward from right back and winning a dangerous free kick after getting in behind Omari Patrick.

Having been an unused substitute against Doncaster Rovers and Notts County he has evidently made an impression on Gunning ahead of being given his first league appearance at the VPS Community Stadium, after making his senior debut against Exeter City in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy in November.

Gunning has been very taken by McGregor and has said that fans should expect to see more of the academy player before the end of the season.

He said: “He did really well and to be fair if he doesn’t get fouled on the edge then he probably goes through and scores.

“Joel is going to get more minutes from what I have seen there.

“He has shown that they can play and for selection on Saturday I think he will be right there, don’t be surprised if you see him out there.”

Harley Hunt became the latest academy player to be included in a matchday squad this season against Sutton on Easter Monday after a season which has seen huge success for the under-18s with the standout run to the FA Youth Cup quarterfinals.

16 current academy players have featured for the first team this season across the league and cup competitions, with McGregor joining Jaxon Brown, Sonny Hart, Miles Obodo, and Fletcher Hubbard in having played in a league game.

Gunning said that although having worked closely with the current crop of academy players he was well aware of their quality, with the current state of the senior side he would have to take a more measured approach than just throwing them straight into the fray.

He said: “I know that can group can [make the leap] because I worked with them the whole start of the season, so I know what they are capable of.

“I just think at the minute with how difficult it has been for the last few months, it is difficult to put kids in there, with our performances out there it is unfair to throw a kid into that.”