Jamie Paterson backed to go from strength to strength by Swans boss Martin

Russell Martin expects Jamie Paterson to go from strength to strength as he builds up his match fitness, after marking his Swansea City debut with a goal.

The 29-year-old joined the Swans on a free transfer on Friday, and went straight into the starting line-up for the Championship opener at Blackburn.

He gave the visitors hope of salvaging a point after being 2-0 down at Ewood Park, firing home from the edge of the box after fine build-up from Jamal Lowe and Korey Smith.

In the end it was not enough to prevent Swansea’s first opening day defeat since 2013, but head coach Martin spoke of how pleased he was to get the experienced attacking midfielder through the door at the Liberty.

“He showed why we signed him, he is a fantastic footballer with good energy and great character,” said the Swans boss.

“Matt Gill (Swansea’s technical development coach) has worked with him as a player and (assistant head coach) Luke Williams had him at Bristol City.

“So, it was very simple for us knowing he was available and, once we rang him to ask if he would like to come and play here and told him what we were trying to do, he jumped at the chance.

“That’s great because we really need players who are hungry to play for this football club, so I am really pleased to get him in.

“He is not match fit yet, so I thought he did brilliantly to get through the game for us and play at the level he did.

“He will go from strength to strength, that’s for sure.”