Daniel Barden's impressive performances in training prompted Swindon Town boss Mark Kennedy to hand the Norwich City loanee a chance to stake his claim as number one. 

The Welsh youth international replaced Jack Bycroft between the sticks for Swindon's 1-1 draw with Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday night in his first League Two start since a deadline day move to the County Ground. 

After a high-profile error in Swindon's 2-1 defeat to Port Vale at the weekend, Mark Kennedy opted to hand Barden a chance over Bycroft. 

“I think that Dan’s performances with how he performed against Exeter [City] and in training, he has definitely been knocking on the door every day saying ‘I think I am your man.’

“I just thought that a change was good tonight for both parties," Robins boss Kennedy told the Swindon Advertiser. 

“I am glad that Dan played well tonight because sometimes when you make the decision and it doesn’t work out then people are quick to jump on the bandwagon.”

Barden's next challenge is to cement himself as Swindon's number one through his performances on the pitch. 

Kennedy explained why he opted to take the risk and roll the dice with his goalkeeper selection after consulting friends within the game. 

“I spoke to somebody about something yesterday who is going through a bit of trouble in their life and I said ‘Sometimes change can be a really good thing.’

Norwich sanctioned a deadline day loan move for Barden.Norwich sanctioned a deadline day loan move for Barden. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd) “I am an advocate of change and that was just one of those things where I thought a change might be a good thing for Jack," Kennedy said. 

“He can come out, have a seat, have a look, and reflect – with Dan’s performances in training they have been pushing each other through thick and thin.

“It was a really tough decision because I am a big Jack fan but it is what you are paid for as a coach."