DARREN DYKES once chanted Neil Ruddock's name from the terraces and Town's newest recruit, admits the prospect of playing alongside the Razor will take some time to sink in.

The 21-year-old midfielder, rejected by both Spurs and Leyton Orient as a teenager, is determined to make it third time lucky in the professional game.

He said: "It is a fantastic opportunity for me and I'm determined to make the most of it.

"Only a couple of weeks ago I was looking at a newspaper which listed the hundreds of players looking for a League club. So you can imagine how I felt when Andy King phoned to say that he wanted to offer me a contract.

"It is a tremendous boost to your confidence to know that a manager has real belief in you.

"There is a real homely feel about the place and the lads have made me feel welcome.

"It's every boy's dream to be a professional footballer and I was with Tottenham Hotspur until I was 15 and then Leyton Orient until I was 17."

Dykes was deemed too small to make the grade at both clubs but a growing spurt in his late teens, combined with some impressive displays for non league Buckingham Town, revived interest from Football League clubs.

He said: "As a semi-professional, you are only training two or three times a week so I've got some catching up to do here.

"I imagine that will take a good two or three weeks to reach the required fitness level but I am just looking forward to getting out there and having my first game on the County Ground pitch."

Dykes, who worked part time for his father's car alarm business, knows he may have to wait for his Second Division debut but he will be striving for a swift introduction.

He said: "Hopefully I will get an opportunity to prove myself and I am confident that Andy King will get the best out of me.

"I am comfortable with either foot and can play wide on either flank, or as part of a midfield or front three."

He clearly believes Swindon Town have a bright future, having rejected offers from First Division sides Leicester City and Grimsby Town in order to join Andy King's squad.

He said: "The manager has been brilliant in trying to take the pressure off my shoulders. But I believe in myself and am willing to work hard. I'm sure as I get used to it here, my confidence will grow."

A knock suffered against Hereford last week means it is likely to be the weekend before Dykes is even considered for a place in the first team squad but at least it will give him some more time for a chat with a certain player-coach.

He said: "As a Spurs fan, Neil Ruddock was one of my boyhood heroes and here I am sharing the same dressing room."

Manager Andy King is delighted to have secured Dykes' services for at least a year.

He said: "There is no doubt that the boy has got ability and I hope during his time here, he will develop and go on to be a valuable asset to this football club.

"There are no guarantees in this game but there is no doubt Darren was the biggest triallist 'plus' of the pre-season so far."