Ritchie has recently signed a permanent deal at Swindon Town

Swindon Town midfielder Matt Ritchie says losing striker Charlie Austin would leave a huge hole in their team.

Austin, 21, has handed in a transfer request at the club increasing speculation he will leave the County Ground this month.

"Charlie's a massive, massive player for us. He scores goals week in, week out and if we do lose him we'll miss him," Ritchie told BBC Wiltshire.

"He does the hard, scrappy stuff and he does the clinical finishing as well."

Swindon lie in 18th place in League One just two points off the drop zone.

After an impressive 4-2 away win at Charlton Danny Wilson's side have lost 2-0 at Oldham and 1-0 at home to relegation strugglers Yeovil Town.

Competition for places is only a good thing and brings out the best in players and makes them work that bit harder Matt Ritchie

"Obviously the mood's not great at the moment because we're not where we want to be," said Ritchie.

"All the lads are trying to stick together and I'm sure we'll get through this sticky patch.

"I still don't think it's too late to push on to where we want to be and there's still half a season left."

The 21-year-old wide man has recently signed a permanent deal at Swindon after arriving on loan from Portsmouth and welcomes Danny Wilson's efforts to add to the squad further.

"I think the manager will strengthen where he feels is necessary," said Ritchie

"Competition for places is only a good thing and brings out the best in players and makes them work that bit harder."

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