Potter thrilled by Joe deal

Graham Potter is looking forward to seeing Joe Rodon flourish at Swansea City after the young defender signed a new long-term Liberty contract.

Rodon has put pen to paper on a deal which runs until the summer of 2022.

And having handed Rodon his first-team chance this season, Potter believes the 21-year-old’s decision to recommit is a major boost for all concerned in SA1.

“It’s fantastic news for everyone connected with the club and I am really pleased for Joe,” said the Swans manager.

“First and foremost he’s a top lad. We enjoy working with him every day and it’s great to see how he has developed this season.

“He has stepped into the first team in a really impressive way and we are now looking forward to the next stage of his development, because there’s a lot more for him to do and Joe knows that.

“He hasn’t played many games yet and he wants to get better and strive for more.

“We are delighted to have him here with us. It’s our job now to continue helping him improve.”

Rodon has been a revelation since landing a first-team opportunity with the Swans following the summer exits of four senior central defenders.

The former development squad skipper got a maiden taste of senior football during a loan spell at Cheltenham last season.

And having impressed Potter during pre-season, Rodon has grasped his first-team chance in the Championship with both hands.

“He brings everything you want from a modern defender,” Potter added.

“As a person he’s great – he’s a reliable character.

“Then you look at his football attributes – he can play, he can defend, he’s fast and he’s aggressive.

“He is not the finished article yet, but we feel we can help him become that.”

Potter reckons Rodon’s success this season is a feather in the cap for the Swans’ youth set-up.

The Llangyfelach product, a Swans season-ticket holder in his younger days, joined the club at the age of eight.

“I think we must say a big congratulations to everybody connected to the academy,” Potter said.

“It’s a big tick for them to see someone of Joe’s quality coming through like he has.

“I also think our fans have helped Joe. He came in against Preston and they got right behind him.

“I think that’s a little extra thing – our fans can help the players individually. I am sure Joe would say he is very grateful for the support he has had.”