Tunmise Sobowale has impressed Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway with the defender becoming a role model in the Robins squad.

Having signed from Shrewsbury Town in the summer on a free transfer, he’s started 14 games in League Two and has impressed supporters with his pace and versatility.

Holloway said that he is impressed with his willingness to learn and develop as a footballer.

He said: “He’s very new to this, he’s only had one proper season in professional football before this, so it’s all about his upbringing and his understanding and what he’s desperate to do well – that’s what I love about him.

“I’m not sure about the encouragement he would have had in his life in the past because of some of his mannerisms and I’ve got to be very careful what I tell him, but all I see is someone who’s desperate to learn.

“He doesn’t even realise how good he is, he’s such a nice person that when you tell him he’s done really well, he’s almost surprised so I can’t wait to get out on the grass with him again.”

The Irishman has been a regular in the side throughout the current campaign and the Town manager said it’s uncommon to have such a character at his disposal.

He said: “I think it’s a joy to see, it’s very rare that someone really wants to listen and wants to learn and then asks so many questions.

"Sometimes he’s out there and he’s questioning where he’s got to go and if I was as quick as him, I’d just get as tight as you can because he [the opposition] can’t outrun you and you don’t realise how quick you are.

“He always looks like he’s going to get across and I’d rather him right up there if I can [high up the pitch], that means we’re playing well.”

Sobowale was not in the squad against Morecambe due to his performances in training and Holloway briefly discussed the conversation he had as Joel McGregor got in the team over him.

He explained: “He’s showing a wonderful attitude and at first, it was ‘I’m not in the team’, so I had a long chat with him about that because life is about learning and it doesn’t matter whether the kid who’s taking your place [McGregor] is slightly younger than you.

“This is all about him appreciating where he is and what he’s got to do and how he’s got to do it.”