MATT HEWLETT admits a 'kick up the backside' is largely responsible for his shining performances as Swindon Town captain.

The 28-year-old midfielder has been hailed as an unsung hero in the club's 10 match unbeaten run and the Bristolian will lead his team out against Brentford today looking to make it 11.

It is a far cry from earlier in the campaign when he was axed from the starting line-up, ironically ahead of the 2-0 win at Griffin Park in December.

It proved a short spell on the sidelines and on returning to the side was handed the skipper's armband in the absence of the then suspended Andy Gurney.

He said: "I was disappointed to be left out but maybe it gave me the kick up the backside which I needed.

"I feel my form has improved because of that.

"With the squad we've got this year, no-one is guaranteed a start. Maybe it hasn't always been like that.

"If you get dropped, you can either react by being quiet and disappointed or you can look at yourself and think I need to start improving."

As for the captaincy, he said: "I admit I enjoy the role and it's coincided with a good run of form by the team. Hopefully it will stay that way.''

Manager Andy King is delighted with the form of his acting captain, but then he has been a member of the Hewlett fan club for some considerable time.

He said: "I've always thought his contribution to the team was more than the supporters appreciated.

"His contribution through work rate, endeavour and commitment has always been more than people have noted.

"All I'll say to that is that when we have five-a-sides in training on a Friday, Matty Hewlett is the first pick.

"He's a players' player, a team player."

King admits that the midfielder has visibly benefited since being handed the skipper's armband.

He said: "He's revelled in the position of captain and now he's playing with an attitude, an appetite and a quality, performing at the height of his footballing powers."

King, who has no fresh injury concerns ahead of today's clash, is looking to his team to make it 11 matches without defeat but his pre-match talk will focus on the dangers of 'laurel-resting' and complacency.

He said: "Brentford will come here and give total commitment. That you are guaranteed with a Wally Downes team.

"He is a tea-cup thrower and I'd rather face Sir Alex Ferguson any day of the week than Wally.

"I will be making my players aware that if they rest on their laurels, they'll be in for the shock of their lives."