Nathan Craze is determined to repay the career lifeline thrown to him by Peter Russell, claiming with him in charge the future can only be bright for the Wildcats.

Swindon's new netminder, pictured, is expected to make his debut against former club Bracknell in the cup at the Link Centre tomorrow and insists the club could not be in better hands.

A former Wales under 18 and under 20 international, Craze was staring at an uncertain future after his bid for European hockey failed this summer, leaving him without a club.

Russell though, who has worked with him at international level and for Cardiff, was quick to secure Craze's signature and the highly-rated 20-year-old is keen to show his signing is no mistake.

He said: "I was at Bracknell last season and decided I wanted to leave because I wanted to play regularly in hockey.

"I had a couple of bits of bad luck though, my agent was ill and then a couple of other teams went with other netminders and I was left without a club.

"Then all of a sudden the opportunity to play for Swindon came up and of course I jumped at it. It is a great opportunity for me and I am just looking forward to playing hockey again.

"Of course it was a huge weight off my shoulders. I was beginning to worry who I would be playing for and when you are not playing the sport you love it can be pretty frustrating."

After a slow start to the English Premier League season, including two league defeats, the Wildcats stunned everyone with an 8-1 win over Bracknell in the cup last weekend, after a previous defeat to them.

Craze is confident that could spark an upturn in fortunes and is confident, with Russell at the helm, a repeat of last season's play-off place is the least they should expect.

He said: "Swindon have a great team here. They have a good blend of youth and experience and once we all gel, I expect us to do well.

"I don't think there is anyone in the league we really have to fear. That is why the league is so exciting, because anyone can beat anyone on their day.

"I am sure the club will be looking to improve on last season and that is a realistic aim. I am excited about what is happening here, because Peter is a great young coach."

Swindon travel to Romford on Sunday in the Premier League, where Craze is again expected to feature, and he believes he can only improve under Russell's guidance.

He said: "I have always played well under Peter. He gets the best out of me as he does any young player.

"He helps improve clubs' development because of the way he can see the game. He is one of the top young coaches in the country.

"I am looking at my move to Swindon as a great opportunity to play hockey."