Lincoln McFayden raring to go after return from long injury lay-off

After a long nine months on the sidelines, Lincoln Mcfayden is ready to put his injury frustration behind him and has his sights set on regular game time for Swansea City Under-21s over the remainder of the season.

The left-back banked 30 minutes in the under-21s' 3-0 victory over Bristol City on Monday, and he made an impact straight away by setting up Kyrell Wilson's 76th minute goal with a fine cross from the left.

It was Mcfayden's first match action since sustaining a hamstring injury whilst training in February 2023, and he has since undergone surgery and intense rehab to overcome the setback.

The 21-year-old - who joined the Swans from Preston North End in May 2021, and made his first-team bow as a substitute in the Carabao Cup win over Reading in August of the same year - hopes the vital minutes will serve him well as he looks to make an impact now his injury woes are behind him.

"It was great to get back out there, it's what I've been working towards for the last nine months," said Mcfayden.

"Getting back on the pitch is the hardest part. I love playing, and you always want to be involved with the lads. It had been hard to watch from afar for a long period of time.

"Those 30 minutes are a huge step in the right direction for me. It was a bit of a shock to the system after so long out, but, again it's something I've been working on in training, making sure I'm ready to get back out there.

"To get an assist as well tops it all off. The boys played so well, scored some great goals against a tough side and we deserved that win.

"Watching the boys play just gave me more motivation to get out there as much as I can as soon as I can. I want to start getting those 90 minutes under my belt soon.

"Rehab was long but I'm grateful to everyone around me for making sure I was okay and to get myself to this point.

"I had surgery on my hamstring, then I was on crutches for a long period of time.

"Almost learning how to walk again was tough, but those situations make you more determined. I have to say a huge thank you to all the coaches, my teammates and the medical staff at the club, I'm super grateful."