Swindon Town caretaker boss Dave Byrne believes defensive duo Jerel Ifil and Callum Kennedy can be proud of their performances after grabbing their first team call-ups with both hands on Saturday against Carlisle.

Fans’ favourite Ifil returned to the starting line-up after two months out of favour, while teenager Callum Kennedy was given his league debut in place of Michael Timlin, who was serving a onegame ban.

And Byrne was full of praise for the 19- year-old left-back, admitting: “Callum was outstanding.

“The boy (Cleveland) Taylor who he was up against is a good player, but Callum never looked out of position and looked as though he had been playing left-back in Swindon’s first team since the start of the season.

“But I knew what he’s capable of.

Some of his deliveries into the box were absolutely magnificent, and he can be proud of himself.

“Swindon Town can also be proud that they’ve now produced another kid who’s capable of playing in this division.”

Ifil was dropped earlier in the season by then-boss Maurice Malpas following a spell of poor form but, having been recalled under cartaker Byrne, the centre-back marked his return with a steady display.

“I thought Jerel was very good – back to his old self,” said Byrne.

“There were a couple of mistimed jumps which allowed their guy to get in, but that’s going to take a bit of time for him to get his timing and everything back.

“But he’s come back in and can be proud of his performance.

“All the lads can, but again it’s a late goal and Carlisle will be going home very happy with the point.

“Bristol Rovers, Peterborough, Carlisle – that’s six points and it would put us up in midtable.

“But it hasn’t, so we’ve got to dust ourselves off and get ready for Crewe next week.”