SWINDON Town’s five trialists must prove themselves capable of establishing themselves as regular first-team players in order to earn a contract for next season, says manager Richie Wellens.

Nikolay Krastev, Lloyd Isgrove and George Newell all featured against Hungerford Town on Tuesday evening, while Lawson D’Ath and Brandon Thomas-Asante played in the club’s other pre-season fixture on the same night at Salisbury.

Understanding of his trialists’ need to prove their worth over several days, Wellens will allow the quartet to continue training for at least another five days.

Former Premier League player Isgrove in particular caught Wellens’ eye at Bulpit Lane in midweek, while the less experienced Newell has time to impress before the visit of Manchester United U23s to the Energy Check County Ground next Tuesday.

Discussing Isgrove’s potential, Wellens said: “Monday was the first time I watched Lloyd.

“It’s tough for him to come in, he’s got no minutes in his legs.

“But I think fans could see his quality. He’s played for Barnsley in League One and earned promotion to the Championship.

“His CV is there. Now it’s about getting him fit and to a level where we can get him starting.

“I want to sign players that will be in the starting XI, not just in the squad.”

Newell’s comparable lack of match experience means Wellens is open to granting the 22-year-old forward time on the training ground to shine.

Wellens added: “George is different, he hasn’t played many games in his career. We’ll give him every opportunity to try and improve his fitness.

“If he’s happy to keep coming in, then I’ll continue to give him the best opportunity.

“I don’t bring players in for one game and ask them to show me what they’ve got – that’s difficult.

“I’m open to allow them to train with us for several days so they can get an idea of the group.”

Goalkeeper Shamal George, meanwhile, will not sign for Town, after failing to meet the level deemed necessary by the club’s coaching staff.

Liverpool youngster George’s potential move to Town was first reported by the Daily Mail.

The 21-year-old later published a series of posts on social media to confirm his time on trial at SN1.

But Wellens confirmed to the Advertiser that the young keeper will not be part of his 2019-20 squad.

He added: “Shamal is someone that in a year or 18 months will be a really good goalkeeper.

“He’s good with his feet, is 6’5” – and will be a good goalkeeper.

“But is he mentally ready to play week in, week out? We took the decision that he wasn’t.”