Chesterfield take a look at Swindon Town midfielder who "possibly could be available"

The 22-year-old, who can also play in defence, came on at half-time in Tuesday night’s friendly win against Belper Town.

He has been training with the Spireites for about 10 days but is still under contract at the League One club.

When asked about him in his post-match interview Pemberton did not reveal his name but the DT understands Chesterfield’s number 29 against Belper was McGilp.

But Pemberton did say: “It is a friend of mine who recommended him so we are just having a look at him.

“He is actually at Swindon but I think he possibly could be available but we just need to see where we are financially.

“It is well documented that the budget is a lot tighter (than previous seasons).

“He (McGilp) is still contracted at the moment so whether his parent club is willing to let him out and also we have to see whether he is good enough.

“We have got quite a few midfield players so it is just looking at whether we need another midfield player or maybe bring in another player, or maybe two, where is best needed. I think we certainly need cover in one position but the budget is the budget.”

The Robins signed McGilp on a two-and-a-half year deal from Birmingham City in January 2019 but he suffered an ankle injury not long after joining.

During his time at Swindon he has been out on loan at Hungerford Town in the National League South.

Although he was born in Scotland, he spent most of his youth career in Australia at Melbourne Victory and signed a professional contract with them in 2017.

McGilp was then offered a contract by Birmingham City and played 17 times for the under-23s, scoring three times.

Meanwhile, Pemberton also gave a run-out to a number of last year’s academy players with goalkeeper Dylan Wharton, defender Callum Brook and midfielder Brandon Bradbury all featuring.

“When the academy had to shut down it gutted me a little bit because we had some players who were trying to find their way,” Pemberton told the DT. “They asked if they could come in and train and do pre-season and I said yes because I wanted to help them out and they have been good in the training.

“If it is not going to be here then I think it is nice to give them a helping hand. They have been part of our football club and our academy and circumstances which is not their doing has not allowed them to carry on so we will see how they are.”

Another youngster, Harrison Beeden, who came on at right-back, is a current academy player who has caught the eye.

Pemberton added: “He has been training with Neil Cluxton (in the academy) and he came to see me a few days ago and said can we have a look at him and he has done really well for us.”