Jarred Harvey proud of showing from young Swans

Coach Jarred Harvey felt there were plenty of positives to take from the performances of a number of young players despite Swansea City Under-18s falling to their first defeat in seven matches against Birmingham City.

Goals from Ellis O’Shea, Cameron Eubank and Will Burrell were enough to defeat the young Swans at Landore, with Teo Minchev getting the home side’s only goal in the first half. 

The Blues took the lead early on through a penalty, with Minchev equalising 15 minutes later. Eubank then added a second for the Blues shortly after and, while the Swans had plenty of chances, a second-half header from Burrell secured all three points for the visitors.

But Harvey praised the impact the younger members of his squad had on the game, with Carter Heywood, Kai Rhodes, Elis Thomas and Harvey Gray all making their debuts at under-18 level during the course of the afternoon. 

"We knew it was going to be a challenge. We were without so many regular starters, and we looked to bring in the younger players," said Harvey.

"I thought the younger lads were excellent , with the team being mostly made up of under-15 and under-16 players.

"With the age gaps, you can see the differences in physicality and intensity but, when they're this young, being exposed to that is what makes them better.

"We had a lot of chances which we should have taken, and we could have gone on to win. 

"The younger lads aren't even used to playing 90 minutes as they play 80 in the younger categories. So, it was a great test for them and they did themselves proud.

"We are disappointed with the result, as we felt that we deserved more. But giving those experiences to the younger players is a major positive and it’s what it’s all about."