JAY McEveley has backed Swindon to bounce back from their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat by beating Bristol Rovers on Saturday and edge closer to securing promotion back to League One.

The left-back was certainly given a baptism of fire for his Town debut as he started Sunday’s game at Wembley just days after joining the club on loan for the rest of the season from Championship side Barnsley.

McEveley was understandably thrilled by being given his chance to impress his new employers on such a stage as Wembley, but was as equally deflated after the Robins failed to claim victory against League One strugglers Chesterfield.

The 27-year-old accepted that it was difficult for him to showcase just what he is capable of in that game, but has little doubt Town fans will see better from both himself and the team as a whole at the County Ground on Saturday.

“It was a bit of a strange one but it was nice to get that debut and I won’t forget it – thanks to the gaffer for putting me in,” said McEveley.

“It was such a high when I found out I’d be starting in the hotel before the game and hopefully once I get to know the team a bit better, I can start to perform and help the side.”

He added: “You live and learn, sit back and try to carry on. You dust yourselves down and I’m sure we’ll go through the game and see what the good points were and what the bad points were and put it right for Bristol Rovers on Saturday.”

While Town enjoyed the lion’s share of possession on Sunday, Chesterfield were effective on the counter and McEveley acknowledged Swindon will need to learn how to deal with teams who come to hit them on the break.

“I know that the team like to play football and I’ve heard that they’ve dominated games this season, but the way that it was happening that much was surprising really,” he added.

“It probably would have been a different game if we’d come out ahead in the second half – they just set up banks and made it difficult to break them down.

“The early goal has killed us.

“It really has deflated us and we’ve got to learn to deal with second halves like that where teams are going to hit you on the counter-attack.”