LUKE Rooney is chomping at the bit to start against Bristol Rovers tomorrow after missing out on playing at Wembley, but accepts he must be patient for his chance to come again.

The winger looked certain to make the left-wing spot his own after joining Swindon in January, but the loan capture of Lee Holmes earlier this month means his place in the side is far from assured.

Southampton midfielder Holmes has started the Robins’ last two games - including the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final defeat to Chesterfield on Sunday.

Rooney was ineligible for that game and he admitted watching on from the sidelines at Wembley was difficult to take.

Consequently, he is desperate to get back out on the pitch in a Swindon shirt once again when Bristol Rovers arrive at the County Ground tomorrow.

“I didn’t really feel too bad about it (not playing at Wembley) until I got to the stadium and seeing all the fans in the pubs and the streets, then it hit home,” said Rooney.

“Even though I couldn’t have played anyway it just made me think about having the chance to show my stuff at Wembley.

“We didn’t have a Tuesday game to bounce back immediately, so we have to take all our frustration out on our next opponents.

He added: “You don’t want to be thinking you have a divine right to be in a team, if players come in they can only bring out the best in yourself.

“There is always going to be competition but that is what you want and that is why we have done well as a team.

“I’ll just keep on my toes and the competition means you are more grateful when you are in the team.”

With no cup distractions, Town can focus exclusively on securing promotion back to League One.

Swindon have a busy few weeks ahead and they could even be up by Easter if they pick up wins in their next four games and results elsewhere go in their favour.

“A win on Saturday would be a very big win and it would look good for what we want to achieve, which is gaining promotion,” he added.

“I think we have four games in 10 days, you want games as a player but so many in succession can either be a good thing or a bad thing.

“If we keep up our level of performances then I think it can be a good thing for us in this short period.”