Jamie Paterson looking forward to Ashton Gate return

Midfielder Jamie Paterson is relishing a return to his former club when Swansea City take on Bristol City on Sunday.

Paterson has been one of Swansea’s most consistent players this season, the Coventry-born playmaker has 11-goal contributions so far with seven goals and four assists.

He previously spent five years at Ashton Gate with the Robins and became a firm fan favourite.

And, while he knows he may have to put up with a bit of stick on his old stomping ground, Paterson is looking forward to trying to help the Swans continue their improving run of form.

“This one is against a former club for me, it’s always a good atmosphere as it’s a bit of a derby,” he said.

“It’s always a bit of a spicy game, and it was when I played for Bristol City, so it should be an interesting game.

“I have not scored against them since I left, so hopefully I can do that this time.

“I was there for five years and really enjoyed it, I do get a bit of a stick playing when I go back. You expect that, though. I always enjoy playing there, and it’s another big game for us on the back of three important results.

“It’s a big game, and the bigger the game the more I love it. I look forward to these big games, you see them on the fixture list and seeing the Swans fans singing and getting behind you in the away end gives everyone a boost.

“But we have to put the performance in to get them behind us, we have to put it on for them. We are on a good run, and we want to continue that and finish the season strongly.”

Paterson has been ever-present in the league since head coach Luke Williams was appointed, having previously worked with him at Bristol City and when Williams was assistant boss at the Swans.

And he revealed how big an impact Williams has made since rejoining the club, and how excited the squad were when the decision to bring him back to the Swansea.com Stadium was made.

“I was buzzing when I heard he was coming back, everyone was. They knew what he was going to bring,” said Paterson.

“I’ve maintained a good relationship with him for years, he was under-23s’ coach at Bristol City, and I loved his energy and enthusiasm and how warm a character he is. He is bubbly and I love that side of him.

“He could not have had a more difficult run of fixtures to start when trying to change a style of play.

“That was tough, but we stuck in there and we have had some good results recently.

“We won at Hull and Sunderland, it’s been tough, but we have great character, he stays level headed, he does not panic and it radiates through the lads.

“He has made a massive difference, and everyone is enjoying their football.”