SWINDON Town teenager Tom Smith admits he is already exceeding his own expectations this term.

The young midfielder racked up his eighth first-team appearance of the campaign in Saturday’s 1-0 win at home to Bradford City in League One, with his latest run-out coming in an unfamiliar left-back position following an injury to Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill early in the second half.

Smith made just two senior appearances for Town last term, the second as far back as September 2015, so the 18-year-old arrived back for the summer pre-season camp unsure how much action he would see.

A loan move was one option for the academy product as he sought to play as many competitive minutes as possible but he ended up sticking around at the County Ground and things could not have panned out better.

“I never really expected to be involved this much, to be honest. I like to achieve different things each season but to be involved this many times is an achievement in itself,” said Smith.

“At the start of the season, I didn’t know how much I was going to be involved. Being a 17 or 18-year-old, you tend to not be involved that much.

“I was looking towards a loan at the start of the season but come pre-season, I was playing a few games and then at the start of the season, I played a few more, such as (against) QPR (in the EFL Cup).

“Things do change and there were a few injuries, so I ended up not going out.

“There wasn’t any concrete offers, it was just a few bits of speculation. Staying here was always my main plan anyway. Loans were just at the back of my mind because I didn’t know what I was doing.

“I wanted game time because that is the most important thing at this time in my career but obviously, it’s worked out well because I have played a few games this season.”

Smith is not the only youngster impressing at the County Ground, with the likes of Ellis Iandolo and Will Henry also already beginning to make names for themselves as part of a bright crop of Town talent.

Now a regular in Swindon’s matchday squad, the next target for Smith would be nailing down a spot in the starting XI on a consistent basis, although he knows it is too soon to look too far ahead.

“At the start of the season, it was definitely easier with the likes of Will, Jake Evans, Jordan Young and Ellis around as well. It was definitely easier fitting in and having the younger boys around that you could talk to and get you through pre-season,” said Smith.

“I feel confident. I have dipped in and out throughout the season. We are four months in now and I have come in and played a few 90 minutes and had a solid performance.

“Who knows. It would be nice to get a few more appearances this season and then it’s bring on next season.”