Nathan's getting closer (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

SWINDON TOWN: Nathan's getting closer

7:00am Saturday 30th October 2010 in News By Anthony Marshall

DANNY Wilson believes teenage defender Nathan Thompson is edging closer to a first team starting spot, ahead of this afternoon's trip to Yeovil.

The 19-year-old made his debut earlier this month in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win over Torquay, and was withdrawn from reserve action on Tuesday after an hour with assistant manager Peter Shirtliff citing it was “with a view to Saturday.”

And despite having competition from the more-experienced Kevin Amankwaah and Paul Caddis for a right-back berth, Thompson is firmly in boss Wilson's plans.

“Nathan is getting closer every week he plays, and I’ve been delighted with the progress he has made - none more so than the game he came on as substitute the other week,” Wilson told the Advertiser.

“He is maturing, his mistakes are getting minimal now, and his decision-making is getting better. He will be in the squad on Saturday.”

Thompson signed professional terms at the County Ground in April 2009 and has had to be patient for his chance in the first team.

But Wilson explained that the youngster has always retained the self-belief that he is good enough to carve out a successful career in the game.

“There’s one thing about Nathan and that is that he's never been disappointed – he’s always been positive and had confidence in his own ability,” said the manager.

“He is by no stretch of the imagination over-confident, but he is quietly confident.

“He is a terrific boy who is very focused on what he needs to do, and is slowly but surely edging his way towards that first team berth.

“The sooner he can come, the better, as that gives us even more competition.”