Luke Williams says Nathan Thompson is Swindon Town's 'most important player'

Nathan Thompson was hurt in the opening minutes of last season's League One play-off final defeat

Swindon Town manager Luke Williams says captain Nathan Thompson has an "immeasurable" impact on his team.

Thompson, 25, has been back in the side since mid-January after recovering from long-term injury and his return has coincided with a good run of form that has lifted the Robins up to 11th.

"He's absolutely key, he's the most important player at the football club for sure," Williams told BBC Wiltshire.

"The quality of his play is far above League One level."

Williams added: "His leadership qualities and his inspiration to the rest of the group is immeasurable."

Boss Williams also praised 18-year-old forward Ellis Iandolo, who made his second career start in the 2-0 win over Doncaster on Tuesday.

"I think that we could be looking at a player that's going to become part of the furniture at Swindon," he said.

"You watch training and he might have one particular session where he just looks outstanding and he gives you that feeling that you want to see him on the pitch.

"We're fortunate to have a very experienced, very skilful player that can play in that role high up the pitch in Fabien Robert, and it's really a case of having a luxury now that we've got Ellis."