MATT HEYWOOD heads for QPR tomorrow as an integral part of Town's defence.

But it just 12 months since the player thought his professional career was in tatters.

The 22-year-old is convinced that his move to the County Ground saved him from the football scrapheap.

Heywood was rescued from Burnley's reserves by former Town boss Andy King and has gone on to become a rock-solid figure at the back.

But trips to places like Loftus Road were nothing but a distant dream this time last year, as Heywood was forced to contemplate a career outside football.

He said: "I think you have to be honest about your situation. You can't kid yourself.

"I was getting a reserve game at Burnley once every two or three weeks. It was a case of seriously thinking whether I would ever play a Football League game again.

"I had not played a first team game for almost two years and I had started to question whether anyone else would take me on.

"It was fortunate that I got the move before the end of last season.

"You only need to look at the statistics. I think it's about 70 per cent of 16 to 21-year-olds that drop out of the game at the end of each season.

"Without experience, there is no guarantee of getting yourself fixed up with another club."

But Heywood no longer has to worry about life outside the game.

He said: "I've really enjoyed it since I came to Swindon and fortunately its gone quite well."

Heywood is happy to accept the no-nonsense tag that some have labelled him with.

He said: "I'm certainly not a 'fancy' player.

"You won't see me waltzing out from the back with the ball. But teams need someone at the back who gets stuck in.

"My game is all about winning tackles and headers and keeping opposition strikers out.

"I think Gurns is the man most comfortable on the ball at the back whereas me and Razor tend to avoid too much dribbling."

The big central defender's contribution is certainly acknowledged by his teammates.

Striker Danny Invincible said: "Matty's been first class.

"He scored a fantastic header on Saturday and I thought he was our man of the match.

"He is consistent and you know what you are going to get from him every week. All credit to him."

Tickets are now on sale for the rearranged home clash with Wrexham next Tuesday. Tickets bought for the original date are still valid. Further details from the Town ticket office on 01793 333777.