JORDAN Turnbull has played every minute of every game this season and is in no doubt that his development has sky-rocketed after joining Town on loan from Southampton.

The 20-year-old defender followed in the footsteps of fellow Saints youngster Jack Stephens by making his own switch to SN1 and has reaped the benefits after immediately tying down a spot in Mark Cooper’s back three.

Wiltshire native Turnbull played development football at Southampton alongside current England internationals Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers, as well as the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Sam Gallagher, and says that he has plenty of contact with teammates and mentors back at St Mary’s as his Swindon season goes from strength-to-strength.

“I always keep in close contact with the boys back there. We’re all really good friends. They always ask me how I’m doing and they’re always keeping an eye on the league for me,” Turnbull said.

“I remind them that we’re doing really well but Southampton are doing well too.

“It’s a new experience for me – I haven’t been on loan before but obviously I was excited to come here and get some first team football.

“I’ve played every game and I’m really enjoying it and hopefully now I just want to help Swindon produce what they can this year and hopefully keep winning games and be up the top at the end of the season.”

Asked if he feels like a different player now that he’s playing regular football in League One, the young defender said: “I do I suppose. I’m feeling more confident going in to every game now, in to League One matches.

“Maybe before I was only playing U21 games and I feel a lot more confident and I feel like I’ve grown as a player already and hopefully I can continue to do that.

“The crowd comes into it and the atmosphere, especially games like Bristol City at home - there was a massive atmosphere, the game was built up a lot, the players were excited.

“The physicality as well, playing against bigger, stronger, faster players – it all comes into it and I’m really enjoying it.”

Turnbull is the same age as fellow Southampton loanee Stephens and the pair are even house-mates in Swindon.

And whilst Stephens has shown off his adaptability in recent weeks by playing in midfield, Turnbull joked that he has attempted to convince Town boss Cooper that he could do the same.

“Of course I have. I’ve told him I can play up top as well,” he said.

“I think I could play in centre-mid. I’ve played there quite a few times so definitely I think I could step in there.

“Jack’s doing a great role for the team playing in there and hopefully we can continue winning games like that.

“But I’m concentrating on playing at the back and that’s where I’m going to learn my trade.

“I’m really enjoying it. I can step out into midfield when I want with the ball and help build attacks but concentrate on defending.”