AARON Nell has hailed Floyd Taylor as one of the best young players in the country after he signed a new deal to remain with Swindon Wildcats.

The 19-year-old forward has come up through the ranks at the Link Centre over the last eight years and last term he broke into the Great Britain under 20s squad.

Taylor made 51 appearances last term and Nell feels that the teenager can play in a big role in Cats’ EPL season this year.

He said: “Floyd is a massive part of our team and after Christmas last year he showed what an excellent player he is.

“He’s extremely underrated in my opinion and that works in our favour.

“I’m in no doubt that we have two of the best young players in the country right now in Floyd and Ollie (Betteridge).

“They are a massive part of our team and for us to be successful we need them to continue their development.

“With players like Jan (Kostal) and now Tomasz (Malasinski) in the team to help him and, with Ryan coaching, I feel Floyd will continue to go from strength to strength this year.”

Head coach Ryan Aldridge believes that Taylor came of age in the last campaign and is looking forward to seeing the youngster develop even more this term.

“Floyd is starting to come of age as he proved last season,” Aldridge said. “He’s a talented forward and has a big future ahead of him.

“He’s eager to continue progressing his game so it’s great to have him in the team and I’m delighted he will be icing for us once again this season.”

Taylor himself is looking forward to the new campaign and playing an even bigger role at the club now that Jonas Hoog will not be returning this autumn.

“I was pleased to be asked back by Ryan (Aldridge) for another season and I hope to continue where I left off last season,” the Swindon-born youngster said.

“I was lucky enough to get on to a regular slot with Aaron and Hoogy on the second half of last season and I proved that I can score points and play with the top lines, so I hope to do it again.

“I’m excited to see the new imports (Tomasz Malasinski and Kenton Smith) and can’t wait to get back to training.”