'Big brother Bony is an idol for me'

Jordan Ayew has revealed how Swansea City’s frontmen are looking up to “big brother” Wilfried Bony.

Ivory Coast star Bony is pushing for the first Premier League start of his second stint as a Swan having impressed in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup win at Reading.

The powerhouse striker was a key man for the Swans during his first spell at the Liberty Stadium, when he scored 34 times in 70 appearances to earn a big-money move to Manchester City.

Having returned to Wales on deadline day, Bony is still building match fitness having last played 90 minutes back in January.

But already the 28-year-old is showing that he could be an influential presence on the pitch – as well as in the dressing room.

“Wilfried is like a big brother to me,” Ayew said.

“He is a big striker, we all know his qualities, and for me he is like an idol. I look up to him and he advises me.

“It is always beneficial to have a striker of that quality in your squad.

“We can learn from him and he can help the younger players, so it’s a positive thing to have him around.

“He played well at Reading and I was happy to see that. He held the ball up well and produced a good performance.”

Bony lasted 81 minutes at the Madejski Stadium, where he was unlucky not to score after an Ayew shot ricocheted on to him and then bounced just wide of the target.

Instead it was Ayew who sealed the Swans’ victory a few minutes later when he ran down the left, cut inside and placed a shot into the far corner of the net.

Having joined the Swans in January, Ayew managed only goal in the second half of the season – in the final-day victory over West Brom.

But the Ghana international has begun 2017-18 in impressive form.

As well as offering the Swans energy and work-rate in attack, Ayew has helped himself to three goals in the first seven games of the new campaign.

“I try to work hard every day to be in good shape for my team-mates and to be incisive on gameday,” Ayew said.

“The staff have confidence in me and the players have confidence in me. That means I have to do a good job every time I go on the pitch and play my best.”