* 17/03/2026
* 11:02
* Modified: 17/03/2026
**Swindon Town are set to be [without Manchester United loanee James Scanlon](https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/25942144.swindon-town-lose-james-scanlon-gibraltar-call-up/) for two upcoming fixtures after his international call-up for Gibraltar.**
The 19-year-old has been selected for Gibraltar’s UEFA Nations League play-off against Latvia, with ties scheduled for March 26 and March 31. That timing rules him out of Swindon’s matches against [Tranmere Rovers](https://thedeck.news/tranmere-rovers-make-strong-efl-statement/) and Cambridge United, the latter coming just days after the second leg.
Scanlon already has significant international experience despite his age, earning 20 caps and scoring twice for Gibraltar. The upcoming fixtures offer him another opportunity to add to that tally, as his country look to secure promotion to League B.
However, his absence may not come as a major disruption to Swindon’s current rhythm. The midfielder has struggled to cement a regular place in the side, featuring in just one of the last five matches and missing the previous three matchday squads entirely.
Public challenge
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That lack of involvement has not gone unnoticed by manager Ian Holloway, who has publicly challenged the youngster to show more before the recent defeat to MK Dons.
> “We haven’t won, and we didn’t play well, so he’s come out,” said Holloway.
>
> “He has to show me why he’s here, which is the stuff that he’s got in his locker. And is he too young? Who knows? I have no idea. But I’m not seeing what I want to see from him in a way that I want to.”
>
> “The last two days, I’ve told him this, and he’s looked a lot better. It’s his first-ever sojourn out into the real world of football from this under-21s nightmare of a situation where the games don’t matter, and it’s all on that.”
While Scanlon’s departure is confirmed, Swindon could yet face further disruption during the international window. Canada are set to announce their squad for upcoming friendlies against Iceland and Tunisia, with both Junior Hoilett and Jamie Knight-Lebel in contention.
Hoilett has been a regular presence for Canada in recent years, while Knight-Lebel will be hoping his recent performances at club level have done enough to earn a recall, having last featured internationally in September.
Should both players be selected, Holloway may find his squad stretched further at a time when consistency is crucial.
Even so, the situation presents an interesting dynamic. Scanlon’s call-up reflects his standing at international level, yet his club situation tells a different story. For a young player stepping out of academy football into the demands of the senior game, this period could prove defining.
Testing time for Robins
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From a broader perspective, this feels like a moment that will test both player and club. Swindon will need to navigate the short-term disruption without losing momentum, while Scanlon has a chance to return with renewed confidence and sharper focus. If he doesn’t, it does throw into question his next loan move.
Still, if he can translate international exposure into improved club performances, this absence may ultimately work in Swindon’s favour rather than against them.