Shepperd’s delight with first-team involvement

First-year scholar Nathan Shepperd was living the dream this week as he trained alongside first-team keepers Lukasz Fabianski and Kristoffer Nordfeldt.

The 17-year-old had originally been called on to train with the under-23s on Wednesday, but at the last minute was asked to work with the first team between the sticks.

“It was a dream come true,” said the Rhondda-born keeper, who joined the Swans Academy five years ago before becoming a first-year scholar this summer.

“I was shocked to be asked to be honest. I was the first time I have had the chance to train with the first team. 

“I didn’t have too much time to think about it. I just grabbed my gloves and got out there.

“I have trained with Erwin (Mulder) before, with the under-23s, but this was the first time I had the chance to work with Lukasz and Kristoffer.

“Working with goalkeeping coach Tony Roberts was great as well. We worked on footwork and activation, and I took a lot from it.

“They all gave me some good advice throughout and after the session on what I could work and improve on. The main message was to keep working hard and get extra sessions.

“I think it has helped. I have definitely taken something from it. Sessions like that only make you realise how much you have to put in at the highest level.

“It was a massive learning curve and has motivated me to push on this season to get my first game with the under-18s.”