FORMER Swindon Town stopper Wes Foderingham has backed youngster Will Henry to grab his chance at breaking into the first team with both hands.

With Town's players returning to training on Monday, manager Luke Williams will be starting to work out his team for next season and Henry will have done himself no harm with the way he ended his last campaign.

The 17-year-old, who started his career at Bristol City, began this season playing in the Hellenic League when he was loaned out to Shrivenham.

However, the first-year scholar was called upon at the 11th hour when Town suffered an injury crisis in goal prior to April's trip to Rochdale, with both Lawrence Vigouroux and Tyrell Belford ruled out for the season and emergency loan keeper Jake Kean also out with a knock.

Henry had a debut to remember as he stopped Ian Henderson’s penalty and pulled off a string of other fine saves in the 2-2 draw before recording a clean sheet in his home debut against Shrewsbury on the final day of the season.

With reports of Vigouroux returning to the County Ground on a permanent basis and Belford still at the club, it is likely that Henry will play a peripheral role again next season but Rangers keeper Foderingham believes he has a bright future ahead.

“I had a few training sessions with him towards the end of last season,” he told the Adver. “When he came in, he was very confident and was a good all-round goalkeeper.

“Sometimes, it is difficult with younger goalkeepers to be so rounded but he was a very rounded goalkeeper.

“I have spoken to Steve (Hale, ex-keeper coach) and he was surprised that Swindon were able to sign him.

“He had been with Bristol City and they let him go for whatever reason.

“I have been in regular contact with Steve and he has been updating me and he is like a real proud father.

“I have seen some of the games and he has done very well, for such a young boy as well, so hopefully it continues and he can stay and continue learning his trade.

“He has done very well and it is a testament to him.”