GEORGE Nash is looking onwards and upwards after narrowly missing out on a pro contract at Swindon Town.

The 18 year-old midfielder, who plays for Corsham Town and has also featured for Chippenham Town, was in the final three of the Samsung Win a Pro Contract competition.

He spent last week training with the League One club but Robins boss Danny Wilson plumped to give the one-year deal to former Ipswich Town and Colchester United youngster Jason Pavett.

“The manager rang us all on Sunday to tell us and he said it was a really difficult decision because we were all very good footballers,” said the youngster, who lives in Langley Burrell.

“He said that the main reason was that they were looking for a striker – I’m disappointed but happy and proud of myself and I feel like I’ve learned a lot in just four days.

“It was great to see the lifestyle and what it would be like to get paid for doing something you love. It’s made me even more determined to try and make it as a pro.

“It’s a massive achievement for me and hopefully something will come out of this. Martin Howard , who works at Samsung, said that he’d look to get the two that didn’t win some other trials so I’ll speak to him soon.”

Nash’s manager at Corsham, Mel Gingell, is convinced that the midfielder has what it takes to make it as a pro.

“To be truthful, he’s been a revelation for us and that lad has got everything,” he said.

“He’s got the potential to go quite far and he’s the best youngster I’ve seen since Yan Klukowski (Chippenham-born midfielder now playing for Forest Green Rovers).”

Swindon boss Wilson, who is expected to lose star striker Charlie Austin in the January transfer window, said: “We felt that taking on a striker was the right decision for the club, because we’re a bit thin in that area.”