TIMI Elsnik has vowed to give his all towards Swindon Town's promotion push as he nears a comeback to the red and white colours after a two-month absence.

The Slovenian midfielder is due to return to competitive action in a Premier League Cup clash for parent club Derby's U23 side against Birmingham at St George's Park this evening, at which County Ground chief David Flitcroft will be an interested spectator.

The 19 year old hasn't featured since injuring a hamstring during the 2-1 League Two win at Yeovil in mid-November but, after continuing his rehabilitation with the Championship Rams, is poised to return south to add a significant boost to Flitcroft's squad options.

Town have won just four of the 11 league and cup matches since Elsnik was sidelined, Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Coventry City costing them ground to rivals in the League Two promotion chase.

But Elsnik's goals remain unaltered as he prepares to return to duty as part of his season-long loan deal from Pride Park.

“It’s a special feeling, especially after an injury, I just can’t wait to be back with the lads out on the pitch,'' he told RamsTV.

“From now until the end of the season will be a massive stretch and you’ve got to be in a good position to finish the season strongly so I’m going to give my all for the fans, teammates and coaches.

“Promotion to League One is the main aim this season. It’s the biggest difference from playing with the U23s, the stakes are higher and there is more pressure from the media and fans.

“There is a bigger goal to play for and that can give you a boost. You need it as a young player, with the Academy and the U23s you learn the technical and tactical part of the game, but in League One you learn the physical side and how to play for the points.”

Elsnik's injury put the brakes on a promising start to his Town career, the midfielder notching a brace in the FA Cup win at Dartford and a fine strike in the 2-2 home draw against Chesterfield a week before his Yeovil injury.

He added: "I went on loan to Swindon and that's been a great experience.

"The loan lasts until the end of the season. I had a little setback with my injury but I can't wait to go back playing there.

"I think it's going to be eight weeks (he's missed) on Saturday. I was playing well and scoring goals, the team was playing well and it's just one of those things out of nowhere.

"You never know when to expect them but it's just something you have to deal with as a professional footballer.

"But I'm fine, the hamstring is fine. I had the green light from the physio so I can't wait to be back (after) a couple of training sessions here (Derby), hopefully a game for the U23s and then crack on to Swindon.''