Sky's no limit (From This Is Swindon Town FC)

Sky's no limit

10:10am Friday 7th September 2007 in News By Andy Cryer

FORMER Town goalkeeper Nicky Hammond insists Simon Cox still has a bright Reading future and expects him to show the world his talents in front of the Sky cameras on Sunday.

Hammond, now director of football at Premier League Reading, insists Cox, main picture, is still very much part of the Royals' long-term plans but believes his loan spell in Wiltshire will prove a winner for all concerned.

Cox could make his league debut in Town's televised clash with Yeovil on Sunday and Hammond has warned the Glovers the young striker will be out to impress the watching audience.

After an impressive pre-season with the Berkshire outfit, Hammond admits Cox has been a little unfortunate not to have broken into their first-team squad but is confident the next few months will be beneficial for all parties.

Hammond will be at the County Ground for Sunday's League One clash, keeping an eye on Reading's starlet, and has tipped him to make a big impression.

He said: "Simon is a player who has been with us since an early age. He has had some first team experience and when he has come in he has done particularly well.

"He showed he can score goals during his loan spell at Northampton last season and when he came back from there he has done exceptionally well for us.

"Unfortunately he has not quite made the first team bench yet and we felt it was very important for him to go out there and get some football.

"I will be there on Sunday and it is a very good opportunity for him. He has a chance to do well for himself at Swindon and if he does well it won't go unnoticed at Reading either."

Hammond made 94 appearances for Town between 1987 and 1995, mainly used as Fraser Digby's understudy, and he has no doubt Cox is in safe hands.

"I know Swindon very well," he said. "And it will prove a great place for Simon to play his football until January.

"It is a good club with a good setup and good people. This is a great opportunity for Simon and I am sure he will take it.

"Swindon will definitely benefit from his presence and I am sure Simon and Reading will as well."

Cox has already proved he can score goals in League One, banging in three in six games in a month's loan spell at Northampton last season.

"He does have an eye for goal," says Hammond. "Simon is good enough to be playing football every week.

"He is technically very good, has an exceptional footballing brain. He can play in midfield or as the second striker.

"I anticipate he will got to Swindon and do very, very well."