Mike's Swans pride

Mike van der Hoorn has spoken of his pride after being handed the Swansea City armband – and saluted his team-mates following their comeback win at Sheffield United.

Graham Potter revealed over the weekend that Leroy Fer has been installed as the Swans’ new skipper with van der Hoorn serving as the midfielder’s deputy.

With Fer in the treatment room, van der Hoorn led Potter’s men as they secured a rousing opening-day win at Bramall Lane.

“It’s a big honour for me,” he said.

“The manager called me and Leroy in on Friday and said that one of us will be captain.

“Leroy is injured at the moment so I was captain at the weekend.

“I am very happy – it’s a new thing for me in my career – and it is great to start off as captain with a win.”

The Swans fell behind just after the hour mark at Sheffield United, but van der Hoorn was encouraged by the response Potter’s youthful side produced.

Oli McBurnie’s first league goal for the club levelled the scores before substitute Yan Dhanda netted a dramatic late winner.

“It’s a perfect start to the season for us,” van der Hoorn added.

“In the first half we had some difficulties. It’s the first game of the season so everyone was wondering how we are going to play.

“In the second half we said we had to be brave and play our game.

“I think we controlled the game after that. There were a few mistakes that gave them some chances, but even after they got the goal we felt we were in the game.

“It’s not easy for the manager. A lot of players have left the club and some new players have only just got here, but they have shown what they can do already.”

The Swans play their first home game of the season when Preston visit this coming Saturday, and van der Hoorn reckons they can take heart from their performance in Yorkshire.

“We were the better team. Our football was better and we just had to show courage,” the centre-back said.

“We have a young team now and it is not easy when you go away from home. Young players can be influence by a noisy crowd.

“But the second half was very encouraging. We showed courage and that meant we could show our quality. Now we have to build on that.”

Tickets for our home opener against Preston North End are available – get yours HERE or call the ticket office on 01792 616400. Watch the game in style in our 1912 Heritage lounge – contact our dedicated hospitality team on 01792 616628 or on hospitality@swanseacity.com