SWINDON Town head coach Luke Williams admits there are still question marks over the future of defender Rhys Sharpe after the free agent signed for the club yesterday on a short-term deal.

The former Derby County youth product was thrown straight into last night’s Checkatrade Trophy clash with League Two side Luton Town, but marked his full debut with a 3-2 defeat.

Having been on trial with Town since October, Sharpe put pen to paper on a deal yesterday but could have more to do as he looks to secure something more permanent.

“He had been training with us for a while and it was an opportunity to get him on a short-term deal to see him in a competitive game,” said Williams.

“He played in a reserve game but depending on the game, it is sometimes difficult to gauge whether or not the player has got the qualities you are looking for.

“He has got pace and strength and power and can be a force going forward.

“I think it is clear that he ran out of steam, which is to be expected, but time will tell whether he can get to the fitness level required and if the performances go hand in hand, then we will see.”

Meanwhile, Town striker Jermaine Hylton was also recalled from his loan spell at National League side Guiseley yesterday and came off the bench to play the second 45 minutes of the contest.

Williams would not be drawn on whether Hylton, who was subject of a permanent move to Guiseley at the end of his loan deal in January, would be sent out on loan again but is looking for him to grab his chance at the County Ground and impress director of football Tim Sherwood.

“It was frustrating only because he picked up an (hamstring) injury because he was involved in a lot of goals, which is the reason we wanted him there – to get minutes and be around the goal,” said Williams.

“The feedback we got was very good from Guiseley and Jermaine himself and he got the best out of it.

“Now is a new chance for him to impress Tim, to give him a selection problem so I hope he takes that opportunity.”

Luke Norris opened the scoring for Town last night in just the sixth minute but a first-half brace from Josh McQuoid put the visitors ahead.

Despite Ellis Iandolo equalising in the second half, Luton went on to secure safe passage into the next round through Isaac Vassell, much to the frustration of Williams.

“I think it’s a missed opportunity but the first thing to say is, the opposition were very good,” he said.

“For us, it is disappointing because we took the lead so you feel like you have got a great chance to win but it’s an opportunity for some players to show Tim what their qualities are and to try stake a claim to be on the pitch more.”