Ethan Laird | I've relished the chance to play at this intensity

Ethan Laird is relishing the step up in intensity and speed of life in the Championship, and is confident there is plenty more to come from him at Swansea City.

The wing-back has made a bright start to life in SA1 following his loan move from Manchester United, with his bustling play up and down the right flank already making him a favourite with the Jack Army.

It has been rare to spot the 20-year-old without a smile on his face over the opening months of the season, and he has enjoyed the chance to work with head coach Russell Martin again, having spent part of last season on loan at MK Dons with the former Norwich defender.

It meant he arrived in south Wales with advanced knowledge of the demands of a new style of play, and he has also embraced his new surroundings.

“I’m enjoying life here and I think everyone can see that is the case,” said Laird.

“I have been loving the games, I have been loving getting to know the lads and I have been enjoying getting to know the area.

“It’s all been great so far, I’m a happy guy. I have every reason to be smiling.

“When I came here, I had obviously worked with the gaffer before, so I knew about the style of play.

“It was different for quite a few of the lads, but I could say to them that if it is given time we are going to enjoy it and we are going to do well.

“It’s an enjoyable way of playing, and recent results have started to reflect that.

“I’ve also taken a lot from stepping up to the Championship after playing in League One last season.

“There is a step in the intensity and the physicality, in the speed of the play. It demands a lot of you, but that’s what I want, it is great for me.

“I had options in the summer but this was a no-brainer. I know I will learn here, I know I will improve here.”

Laird and his team-mates will be looking to bounce back after the international break following defeat at Bournemouth.

The Swans had been on a run of four wins in five prior to that result, and Laird is confident more positive outcomes will follow if they continue to focus on improving performances.

“It’s always about the next game, that’s the way it has to be,” he added.

“Once one game is done, whether we win, lose or draw, we take that apart and we look at what we have done well and the areas we need to improve.

“No performance is perfect, there are always things to improve on, so the attitude always has to be that we are going to get better.”