DANNY Ward hopes he can use his successful time at Town to become an established Premier League player next season.

The teenager has been on loan from Bolton since November and, despite not playing in his natural striking role, has excelled on the left wing with six goals in 28 appearances.

Potentially, this weekend’s crunch final League One fixture could be Ward’s last game in a red shirt - if Swindon achieve automatic promotion - and the 18-year-old intends to make an impression at the Reebok Stadium next year.

“It’s weird because my time down here has flown by and it’s been a really good experience for me,” said the forward.

“It wasn’t a tough choice in terms of dropping down divisions, it was more about the distance away from home for me.

“But it was a chance to play regular first team football and it’s definitely been the right decision. I’ve really enjoyed it and it’s helped me so much in my career.

“I spoke to Owen Coyle (Bolton manager) a couple of weeks ago and he said he was pleased with the way things were going, and to keep playing well. They are really happy with me.

“Seeing them stay up is great. It will be good for me to go back and get in the Premier League side hopefully.

“I want to go back, use my experience from here and then try to break into Bolton side.”

With Town guaranteed a spot in the play-offs and still in the hunt for a second-placed finish, Ward is determined to sign off on a high by helping his temporary colleagues gain promotion.

But the youngster insists it will be business as normal for Swindon as they travel to promotion rivals Millwall on Saturday.

“You can’t put loads of pressure on yourselves and start worrying about stuff,” he explained.

“You’ve just got to go out, take it as a normal game, put the work in, play well and hope for the best.

“We’ll be willing Bristol Rovers on to beat Leeds, as will the fans. Knowing the rivalry between Bristol and Swindon, wanting them to win won’t happen too often round here, but everyone will be desperate for that this time.

“It’s a massive game for the lads and if we win and other results go our way then there’s a good chance of going up.”

  • BILLY Bodin has been named in the Wales Under 21 squad for their friendly fixture with Austria in Parndorf on Tuesday, May 18.

The teenage forward has just been awarded with his first professional deal at the County Ground and will join up with the 17-man squad, which includes former Town loanee Hal Robson Kanu.