Byers eyes first-team return
George Byers is hoping to force his way back into Graham Potter's plans having returned to action with Swansea City's under-23s.
Byers has made the first-team breakthrough at the Liberty Stadium this season, clocking up five appearances for Potter's side.
But having been sidelined by a groin problem, the 22-year-old was back in under-23 action last Friday, playing 90 minutes in the 2-1 Premier League Cup win over Hull.
Byers, the Swans' young player of the year last season, could feature for the development squad once more on Wednesday when they face Bristol Rovers at the Liberty in the second round of the Checkatrade Trophy.
“It was good to get some minutes and build my fitness up against Hull,” he said. “I was just happy to get back out on the pitch after coming back from the groin injury.
“The injury came at a frustrating time for me. I had just broken into the team for the first time and felt I was doing well after taking that step.
“But injuries happen in football. It is how you bounce back from them that matters.
“I have to continue to play hard and do everything I can now to get back into the manager’s plans.”
Byers would strengthen the under-23s' midfield options should he be involved against Bristol Rovers' senior side on Wednesday evening (7.45pm).
He has made 10 appearances in the Checkatrade Trophy over the past two seasons and believes the Rovers tie offers another opportunity for the Swans' youngsters to impress.
“The Checkatrade Trophy has been great to be a part of in the last couple of seasons,” Byers added.
“It has offered players like me, Oli (McBurnie), Daniel (James), Joe (Rodon) and others the chance to play against first-team players from an early age, and this season will be no different for the next crop coming through.
“The competition is part of that building process in football that helps you to develop for the next step in your career.
“The Bristol Rovers game offers me another chance to get some minutes, continue my recovery from injury and, if selected, help the side deliver a performance.
“Picking up the injury was unfortunate but these setbacks make you stronger mentally. I will be doing everything I can now to get back into the first team as soon as possible.”
