JERRY Yates described strike-partner Eoin Doyle as like a brother to him after the pair played their part in securing Swindon Town’s fifth league win in a row on Saturday.

Eoin Doyle scored the only goal of the game as Richie Wellens’ men beat Mansfield Town by a goal to nil while Yates’ insatiable work ethic tired the visitors and helped to ensure a late equaliser would not be forthcoming.

The younger of the two ‘brothers’ was especially pleased to see Doyle hit the target for the seventh game in a row as Yates missed a golden opportunity in the second half to put the game to bed.

The pride in seeing his attacking accomplice top the league’s scoring chart was plainly evident for Yates, and the Rotherham United loanee praised Doyle for pushing him to become a better player since arriving at Swindon.

Yates said: “My relationship with Eoin is a weird one.

“We won’t text each other that much, but on the pitch we just know what the other is going to do.

“But what a lad, you can talk to him about anything.

“He always pushes me, makes me do extra work in training. He is a top professional and I can’t fault him for anything.

“You could say he’s like my big brother on the pitch because he’s always telling me goals are the most important thing before a game and helping me whenever I need it.

“We know what we’re both good at and we always encourage each other, so it’s a very good relationship.”

The Irish forward was not the only Town player to receive a glowing recommendation from Yates on Saturday.

Versatile defender Rob Hunt slotted in at left-back for the sixth time in 24 appearances on Saturday as Paul Caddis made his second debut for the club on the opposite side.

Yates was of the opinion that the former Oldham man could play almost anywhere if required, such is his professionalism and football intelligence, before turning his attention to Caddis and goalkeeper Steven Benda who also enjoyed standout performances.

Yates said: “Rob is unbelievable – I live with him and he’s one of my best mates here.

“He’s so professional, he could probably play anywhere on the pitch.

“Both full-backs, centre-midfield, wherever he needs to play, he could do it. He’s a great addition to the team.

“Paul Caddis is an unreal player – everyone has seen that on Saturday when he got the man of the match award.

“He’s got 90 minutes in his legs after coming straight back into the team, so he did very well.

“Steven reassures us because Mansfield got in a few times, but he did well to pull off a few good saves and come out when he needed to. He’s been good ever since he came in.”