Jordon Garrick hungry for more first-team action

Jordon Garrick has his sights set on more first-team football after making an impact from the bench in his Swansea City debut.

The 21-year-old forward played the final 18 minutes of the Carabao Cup first-round win over Northampton, helping the Swans fight back from a goal down to claim a 3-1 success.

The winger’s pace and direct approach unsettled the Cobblers rearguard and helped spark Swansea’s resurgence, which saw the hosts score three goals in just seven minutes.

It capped a remarkable few years for Garrick, who four years ago was playing semi-pro football for Ossett Albion and also trained with the Bradford Bulls rugby league side after showing promise in the 13-man code.

“It was unreal, when the gaffer called me over I could not believe it. I had to double check he was saying my name,” he said.

“But I think it has been a long time coming, and to finally get it is a dream come true.

“It is mad, but I just have to take it step by step. Four years ago I never thought I would be here, but now I am doing everything I dreamed of doing.

“Now I have got my debut, I hope I showed a bit of what I can offer to the team and the gaffer still keeps me around.

“But I have to work hard and do what I can do.

“The gaffer has come in from day one and said he wants us to be involved, he wants us to be around and the gap between the first team and the under-23s is smaller than it used to be.

“And it’s great for guys who are in the younger sides to see there is a chance to progress.”

Garrick could even have marked his bow with a goal, being teed up by fellow sub Andre Ayew seconds after coming on.

But he saw his effort denied by Northampton – and former Swansea goalkeeper – David Cornell.

“It should have happened, I should have scored,” he said.

“My eyes just lit up to have that happen just a few seconds in.

“It was disappointing not to score, but I was really happy to bounce back and get that win.”