YOUNGSTER Joe Romanski admits he is in the middle of a steep learning curve after making the step up into Swindon Town’s senior ranks.

The teenager became the first player born after the year 2000 to play for the club, when he made his debut against Grimsby in April.

Now the 18-year-old has been installed as a more permanent fixture in manager Phil Brown’s thoughts.

Romanski was named man of the match in last Tuesday’s 4-0 defeat to Chelsea U21s and this week’s 1-0 loss to Forest Green Rovers in the Carabao Cup.

Now that he has become a fully integrated member of the squad, the Swindon Town Academy product says he has learned a lot so far this season, especially when they came up against Chelsea.

“It was tough playing against an opponent like Chelsea, who are known for producing brilliant young players,” said Romanski

“They moved the ball quickly and played with a lot of tempo. It’s hard to defend against and I’d say it took us 10 or 15 minutes to get used to it.

“We were off the pace in the first half. We perhaps should have got tighter to them and pressed harder.

“It makes you realise what it takes and what kind of ability you need.

“That’s not me saying I don’t have it, I know I have it. It’s a goal of mine to reach that level.”

The teenager has played in a few positions for Brown this year, featuring as a left-back as well as more centrally.

The 18-year-old says there is a clear physical difference between the club’s youth set up and being a League Two campaigner.

“I don’t mind where I play – left, centre or right at a push,” added Romanski, who was full of praise for Town under Brown.

“My goal is to get a run out where I can and make the most of it, and most importantly learn from it.

“I want to keep the other boys on their toes and let them know I’m knocking on the door.

“As long as I am getting minutes so I can learn the physicality of the league so I can improve day in, day out.

“The league is very physical. You have to be up to it, you have to adapt and you have to be quick and you’ve got to be switched on.

“It can me mentally tiring as well as physically, it is a lot different to playing for the youth team.’’

He added: “Phil (Brown) is full of energy.

“He’s a great manager to play under and he makes you enjoy every day.

“Every day is entertaining, and he makes us enjoy football, that’s the main thing for success – you’ve got to want to come in and improve.

“He’s a man that does that very well.”