RICHIE Wellens has been encouraged by Keshi Anderson’s response to a meeting held earlier this week, after the Swindon Town boss was left unimpressed by the playmaker’s attitude to being substituted against Yeovil Town last Saturday.

Anderson’s frustration was clear to all after he was brought off in the second half against the Glovers.

His response to being substituted prompted Wellens to call a private meeting with the 24-year-old on Monday ahead of Town’s trip to Newport County on Tuesday.

Despite failing to score at Rodney Parade, Anderson’s efforts pleased Wellens, who has since stated that no other manager in the country will like the forward more than he does.

“I wasn’t happy with Keshi on Saturday and his reaction after he came off,” said Wellens.

“We had a meeting on Monday – Keshi will not find a manager that likes him more than me.

“Whenever I speak to Keshi or go through his video analysis, I am always constructive. I want him to be the best possible player, that’s my job.

“Sometimes you play a player in the number 10 role and they stand still. Because they’re stood in the number 10 position, they think they are a good player – but they’re not.

“They have to run, they have to move away from their mark and into pockets to allow your team to play.

“You have to be secure in possession and create possession. On Tuesday, he did all of them. Keshi, for me, was the best player on the pitch.”

Two points against Yeovil and Newport was half the return Wellens targeted from those two games.

With three points now separating Town from the top seven in League Two with five games to go, securing a play-off spot is still within reach.

And Wellens expressed his sense of pride in his players’ application against Newport.

At the same time, he admits three points would have done his men – and their fans – the world of good. “I’m really proud, but a bit disappointed after Newport,” said Wellens.

“I’m not disappointed for myself, because I work to try and get a performance. I was worried about long balls, second balls and crosses coming into our box on the way there.

“I knew 47 per cent of goals from Newport come from set plays and crosses – so I was worried about that.

“But for the majority of the game, I could sit back and enjoy watching my team play how I want them to play. It was good to watch, I’m just gutted for the players and the supporters that we didn’t get a goal and a win.”