Holloway praises debut of 'excellent' Ehibhatiomhan

Boss Ian Holloway described as “excellent” Princewill Ehibhatiomhan’s Swindon Town debut – as he got off the mark at the first time of asking.

The 19-year-old, who signed on loan from Southampton this week, struck in the second half as Town were eventually beaten 2-1 at Cardiff in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

Ehibhatiomhan arrives at the Nigel Eady County Ground having netted 10 times in 33 Premier League 2 games for Saints.

Assessing Ehibhatiomhan’s first start for Swindon, in which he played 77 minutes, Holloway said: “I think he showed all of his skillset.

“He was disappointed that he missed the chance in the first half. It was probably our only chance when he nicked it off the defender, and then we got there and he put it wide.

“I think that you could see how sharp he is, how quick he is, and how he wants to set things up and then run in behind. I thought he was excellent.”

First of many for Princewill Ehibhatiomhan ?? pic.twitter.com/ZpjaEB69fv

— Swindon Town Football Club (@Official_STFC) August 13, 2025

Assessing the contest as a whole, Holloway said: “Well done to Cardiff, I am not taking anything away from them as they have a wonderful way of playing.

“We more than matched them in the second half, we lost 2-0 in the first half, and it could have been more, but we won the second half. Unfortunately, that is not good enough because we are out.

“But I was delighted with the team’s efforts, and, for a newly put-together team, I am delighted with the way Princewill fitted in, and when Jake (Tabor) came on.”

Town make the trip to promoted Oldham in League Two on Saturday (12.30pm).

(Picture: Swindon Town FC YouTube channel)