Swansea City Under-23s Joe Rodon

Joe Rodon has called on Swansea City young guns to make their most of their opportunity in the Checkatrade Trophy this season.

The young Swans are one of 16 Category One academy sides to play against Football League opposition in the restructured competition this season.

And Rodon, who has been with Swans Academy since the age of nine, has called on the development squad to prove themselves against League One opposition on Tuesday.

"The whole team is looking forward to playing in this competition," the 18-year-old centre-back said.

"It will be a great experience for young players like myself to play against experienced seasoned players from the Football League.

"We know that playing against full professionals will be a tougher challenge, they won't want to lose against us. It is up to us to take on the challenge and make the most of the opportunity against experienced players.

"All academy sides have the chance to show their young professionals can play at this level. 

"I think people need to give the competition a chance. We want to play against older players with more experience to challenge ourselves.

"We have made a good start in the league and Tuesday will be a big test for us. 

"A match like this can only help young players gain experience to help us develop. We will go out and aim to give Wimbledon a good challenge."