Having come through the academy system at Swindon, Gonzalez-Birchall earned himself a third-year scholarship for this season after impressing Holloway with his skill in midfield.
The 18-year-old made his debut under Mark Kennedy in the Vertu Trophy win over Bristol Rovers last season, but had to wait until the final group match in this year’s competition against Milton Keynes Dons to get a second.
Gonzalez-Birchall has had loan spells with Swindon Supermarine and Evesham United this season to help him acclimatise to senior football, but he has continued to train with the first team, and Holloway has been hugely impressed by the development he has made.
With Swindon looking to see out a 2-0 victory over Cheltenham Town, Gonzalez-Birchall came off the bench to replace Tom Nichols for the final minute and stoppage time, his first appearance as a senior player.
Holloway spoke of his delight in seeing him progress this season and the pride he has in the players he has been able to give that opportunity to.
He said: “I have been fortunate enough to give loads of fantastic footballers their debuts.
“The most recent one I am so proud of is Ebere. He has gone to Arsenal, that is his club, and he loves them.
“To see him blossom into what he is is unreal; I think he collapsed after about 11 minutes \[on his debut\] due to nervous tension. His hamstring looked like it went.
“Dani has been excellent. His loan has done him the world of good, and he has been training with us.
“He has come back with us, I know we have a pathway, but he deserves this. In pre-season, he was outstanding as well.”
Gonzalez-Birchall was not alone in getting praise; Holloway raved about the displays of Joel McGregor and Filozofe Mabete at Cheltenham after the pair turned in pivotal performances as Swindon picked up three points.
He said: “I have got to say that Joel was absolutely and totally outstanding, and for him to keep going was excellent.
“Wherever they put that blonde lad \[Jordan Thomas\], I put Joel on him, because I wanted him to harangue him, as that kid is a matchwinner.
“We have got such a young team. Fil Mabete got his first league goal, and I am so proud of him.”