Harry Darling eyes strong start to Swansea City career

Harry Darling feels he is settling in well to life at Swansea City and has his sights set on making a strong start to life in SA1.

The 22-year-old defender is just a few weeks into his time with the Swans after sealing a move from MK Dons to link up again with his former boss Russell Martin.

Darling got 75 minutes under his belt in Tuesday’s draw at Plymouth, with the defender looking calm and assured as the visitors controlled long spells of the game before the inevitable raft of changes from both sides in the closing stages.

The centre-half enjoyed his first experience of playing in front of the Swansea fans at Home Park, and feels his understanding and relationships with his new team-mates are developing all the time.

“It was a good step up and it felt really nice to be playing in front of the fans, and it was the first time for me in front of the Swansea fans which I really enjoyed,” he said.

“Playing in front of the fans just gives you that sensation of it being more like a real game, if you like. The crowd give you a boost, and it was great to see how many of our fans made the trip.

“We got good minutes in the tank and we have plenty to build on. Things are going well. Pre-season is not something anyone enjoys, with the work on the fitness side, but I am feeling good and it was good to have more of a run-out.

“I feel I have settled really well here, I have played together (with Nathan Wood and Kyle Naughton) quite a bit over the last few weeks and we are getting to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, which is all you can ask for in pre-season.

“We want to make sure that when it comes to the start of the season we are ready to play well and win games.”

During pre-season the Swans have switched between a three-man and a four-man backline, and Darling believes that flexibility and versatility can be an important asset during the coming season.

“I think that is going to be key, it ensures we are not predictable and means we have those options of playing in different formations,” added Darling.

“It can only be an advantage for us and hopefully it can keep teams guessing, we are working hard to make sure we can perform to a high level when we use those different options.”