Scott Butler | It’s an honour to captain U18s

Swansea City Under-18s skipper Scott Butler has opened up on the huge sense of pride he feels whenever he pulls on the armband.

Butler is likely to lead the young Swans in their eagerly anticipated FA Youth Cup fourth-round showdown with Middlesbrough at Landore on Friday (11am).

Following the 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers in round three, the under-18s head into their biggest game of the season aiming to reach the fifth round of the competition for the first time.

Standing in their way is a Boro side that comprehensively put Millwall to the sword 4-0 in the third round.

Second-year scholar Butler has been an older head in a generally youthful under-18s side in recent weeks, with Byron Anthony handing opportunities to several under-16s players including the likes of Ben Lloyd, Joel Cotterill and Sebastian Dabrowski.

And the centre-half, who has also regularly appeared for the under-23s this season, highlighted the importance of utilising his leadership qualities for the benefit of the team.

“It’s always a proud moment to be captain of any age group at Swansea; it’s an honour,” he said.

“It’s important we have leaders in the squad. Not every player is going to be on it every single week, so we need to drag each other through.

“Whether I’ve got the armband or not, I just want to be a leader because that’s one of my main qualities.

“I communicate well with people and I know the boys will listen to me.

“With younger players in the team, I feel like I have extra responsibility to try and coach them through the game.

“Obviously, I focus on my own performance, but I also have a responsibility to help them out. I must help them step up to the plate.”