Ali Al-Hamadi | I must keep performing

Ali Al-Hamadi knows he must build on his promising start with Swansea City’s under-23s and continue to perform to a high standard if he is to keep his place in the team.

Please note that Swansea City Under-23s’ showdown with Aston Villa on Monday will not be available to view via SwansTV Live.

The Iraqi-born forward, who arrived from Tranmere Rovers on a two-year scholarship in the summer of 2018, has made six appearances since making the step-up to the development side earlier this season, scoring once.

Mainly operating as a winger, Al-Hamadi has produced some impressive performances for the under-23s, with his pace and work rate causing havoc down the flanks.

The 17-year-old has also enjoyed a solid start to the campaign with the under-18s; scoring five goals in 11 appearances under Anthony Wright.

Al-Hamadi has felt the benefits in his game since stepping up to the development side, but knows he cannot afford to rest on his laurels.

“It’s been good to make the step-up to the under-23s,” he said.

“I’ve worked really hard over the past two years to try and get an opportunity at this level.

“It has given me a good chance to show myself, and I’ve seen so much improvement in my game. 

“Hopefully, I can now keep my place in the team. Obviously, there is a lot of good competition, so I must show that I can keep performing and stay in the team.”

Al-Hamadi will be hoping to feature again on Monday as the under-23s travel to Aston Villa in Premier League 2 Division Two for their final game of 2019.

The forward is fresh from netting his first goal for the development side in last week’s 2-1 victory over Norwich City, and hopes that will pave the way for more to follow.

“I was over the moon. It was a good feeling for me,” he added.

“Over the past few weeks, I’ve been getting in the positions, but just haven’t put the chances away.

“Hopefully, I can kick on now and get a few more.”