Patience key behind Tom Carroll's comeback

Tom Carroll is hoping to bank more valuable minutes after ending an 11-month wait for league action with Swansea City.

The midfielder came off the bench in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Reading at the Liberty, with Carroll featuring for the final eight minutes.

The 27-year-old, whose other appearance this term came in the Carabao Cup win over Cambridge United, last featured in the league for the Swans on October 23, 2018 during a home victory against Blackburn Rovers.

A loan spell with Aston Villa and a hip injury has meant Carroll has had to wait almost a year since his last taste of Championship action in a Swans shirt.

But now he’s looking to force his way into Steve Cooper’s plans and play a bigger role going forward.

“It has been tough. The boys have done well this season and I’ll have to be patient,” he said.

“I’ll work hard on the training pitch and prove to the gaffer that I’m fit and can help the team.

“It’s been 11 months since I last played in a league game, and now I’ve got to force my way back into the squad.

“We have got a great squad here and everyone is doing their best to get into the 18 on a match day, and I’m no different.”