SWINDON Town named young goalkeeper Jack Copland on the bench for the first time ahead of their League Two meeting with Tranmere Rovers on Saturday – Adver Sport explains more about the Robins’ mystery goalkeeper.

Following an unfortunate injury to back-up stopper Conor Brann after Town’s 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Stockport County earlier this month, the club has been searching for another gloveman to come in and fill the number two spot.

While that hunt has so far been unsuccessful, head coach Scott Lindsey and his staff decided to promote up-and-coming goalkeeper Copland into the squad for last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Tranmere.

Adver Sport explains more about Swindon's latest shot-stopper.

Copland is a former Hartpury College student who achieved a Level Three Extended Diploma in Sport (Football) with the highest grade possible (D*D*D*) earlier this year.

Then, in May, the 18-year-old signed an extended scholar contract for the 2022-23 campaign with Swindon after training with the club for a number of weeks.

Prior to that, the teenage shot-stopper had been playing in Spain from the age of nine at Denia Football Academy in Valencia.

He returned to the UK with his family during 2020 and subsequently enjoyed a trial with Chelsea’s academy before training with Coventry City’s equivalent.

While living in Ledbury, Copland joined Tuffley Rovers in Gloucestershire where, in addition to playing for the Under-18s, he became established as a regular in the Hellenic League Premier Division.

During his time in Herefordshire, Copland helped to run the Ledbury Goalkeeping Academy.

Speaking to the Ledbury Reporter in the summer, Allan Hawkins – who runs the academy – discussed Copland’s move to the County Ground.

He said: "It's a fabulous opportunity for Jack to further establish himself as a professional goalkeeper. I’ve got to say, they get one of the most exciting new prospects around.

"Jack is also currently assisting me with coaching our Ledbury goalkeeping squad, so the disappointment will be losing him next season – but who cares?!"

Copland could be in the Town squad once again this weekend as Crewe Alexandra visit the County Ground in League Two.