Marc Guehi backed to build on Owls performance

Steve Cooper has backed defender Marc Guehi to continue to show his ability after the defender’s impressive return to the starting line-up against Sheffield Wednesday.

The 19-year-old Chelsea loanee has had to bide his time for regular football with competition for places particularly stiff in a position where Swansea have had Mike van der Hoorn, Joe Rodon, Ben Cabango and Ben Wilmot to also call upon over the course of the campaign.

Guehi was handed a first start since the draw at Hull in February against the Owls, playing at the helm of a three-man defence brought about by Swansea’s injury issues at the back.

And the England youth international acquitted himself well, and also adapted once the introduction of van der Hoorn from the bench tweaked the Swans set-up.

The quality of Guehi’s showing came as no surprise to head coach Cooper – who worked with the defender in the England age-grade set-up – and he believes there is much more to come if the teenager can build on his showing.

“It was a difficult game to come into, you look at the striking options they had available – starting and on the bench - and they can be as difficult a test as anyone in the league.

“So, to come through the game in a new system, as the lead centre-back, in the manner he did is a credit to him.

“I’m pleased for Marc, but I am not suspired because he is a good player and we have always known that. The key thing for him, and everyone else, is to build on it.

“He wants to play because he wants to contribute, and he has an older head on his shoulders. He has trained well and he has bided his time.

“He made sure he was ready when the time came, and I believe he will continue to show his ability.”