Jordon Garrick "mentally stronger" after injury lay-off

He spent three months sidelined with injury, but Jordon Garrick believes he’s better off for the experience.

The winger played his first game since mid-October as he featured for 45 minutes in Swansea City Under-23s’ Premier League 2 Division Two clash with Newcastle United at Landore.

The 21-year-old has been hampered with a hamstring injury which has deprived him of action since appearing as a late substitute in the first-team’s 1-1 draw with Barnsley on October 19.

That proved a frustration for Garrick, who made his Swans debut in August before making another six appearances – and scoring his first senior goal – under head coach Steve Cooper.

His pace provided the Swans with another outlet, with Garrick proving a nuisance to opposition defences – none more so in the 4-1 victory at QPR in which he was awarded a penalty after racing into the box.

Despite being forced to watch his team-mates from the stand, Garrick feels he has picked up useful experience from dealing with his injury.

“I speak to my team-mates and the coaching staff a lot. They’ve done very well to keep me involved because it can be difficult when injured players are doing their rehab,” said Garrick.

“Everyone has been really good to me and that has made it easier accepting how long the injury was going to sideline me.

“An injury can defeat a player sometimes, but it’s part of learning so I know if I get an injury again that I am mentally strong enough to overcome it.

Garrick’s involvement in Monday’s defeat to Newcastle was among the positives during a 4-0 loss.

Midfielder Daniel Williams also returned from a long lay-off while Arnor Gudjohnsen made his maiden start at that level following Liam Cullen’s promotion to the first-team squad.

And Garrick was grateful for the opportunity to get minutes under his belt.

“Besides the result, it was just good to get back out there,” he added.

“If you ask anyone around the training ground then you will tell you I’ve been really looking forward to playing a game.

“I’ve been super annoying, I’m sure, as I’ve been itching to get back playing again.

“When you are injured and you’re not playing, you can’t see past your first game back.

“I managed 45 minutes on Monday and I’m excited to play the next 60 minutes and 90 minutes.

“Then I can knock on the gaffer’s door and say I’m ready now and you can throw me in whenever.

“I’ll always do my best – whether it’s for the first team or the under-23s.”