Sil Swinkels has stated that he sees Bristol Rovers as “a great fit” to get experience of playing senior football after the 21-year-old defender joined the Gas on loan from Aston Villa.
Reports of Rovers’ breakthrough in securing the Dutchman’s signature first emerged on Friday but the centre-back’s move was put on hold so that he could be part of Villa’s Premier League squad to face Wolves on Saturday amid a defensive shortage.
Swinkels made his full senior debut for the Villans against Wycombe Wanderers in the Carabao Cup earlier this season having made his first appearance in January 2021 in an FA Cup tie against Liverpool. He has also been a frequent fixture on the bench for Unai Emery’s side in both the Premier League and Champions League this term.
The 21-year-old is the second player to join Rovers on loan from Villa this season with Lino Sousa also at the club while Lamare Bogarde had two spells in BS7 in 2022/23 and 2023/24.
Speaking to the Gas’ club media, Swinkels said: “I’m very excited to be here. I just can’t wait to get started and get some games under my belt.
“I had a call with George Friend and Inigo Calderon and that was really positive. They showed some really, really good signs and wanted to sign me. Also, with Lino Sousa having the experience of being here right now, I also spoke to him for a bit and that made me want to join the club and get going.
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“As a young lad coming through, I think it’s very important to get the experience of playing senior football and I think Bristol Rovers is a great fit now to finally get that experience and prove myself and see what I can do in League One.”
On the capture of the centre-back, Calderon added: “Sil has already shown his ability, his power and technical ability, all of which he has in abundance for a 21-year-old, and we are looking forward to having him with us for the rest of the season and helping him to develop even further towards his full potential.”
The Dutchman has been at Villa since 2020 and has been a regular for both their under-18s and under-21s, winning the FA Youth Cup in 2021 while also reaching the Premier League 2 play-offs last year.
This will be Swinkels’ first loan spell with the defender competing with the likes of Connor Taylor, James Wilson, Taylor Moore and Clinton Mola for a regular starting place.