Tom Carroll back in training and nearing playing return

Tom Carroll is back in full training and nearing a return to match action, says Swansea City head coach Steve Cooper.

Midfielder Carroll has been beset by hip problems over the last 12 months, and he underwent surgery earlier this year.

He continued his rehab over the summer and was able to get back out on the grass with his team-mates.

While the former Tottenham man is not in contention for Saturday’s trip to Derby, Cooper hopes Carroll will soon be able to get some minutes under his belt – potentially with the club’s under-23s – and stake a claim for a first-team return.

“Tom Carroll is back in training full-time but obviously he won’t be available as it’s too early to play this weekend,” said Cooper.

“He’s getting close now to being ready for matches, although initially it won’t be with the first team, and it’s encouraging to know we have a programme to get him back into the first team.

“He is a talent, and a player I have been looking forward to getting back out on the training pitch.

“I know a lot about him from his Tottenham and England Under-21 days. He’s a good character around the group as well.

“He is very well-liked and, even in this first week back in training, you can see the quality he has and it will be encouraging to see him get stronger and stronger and get back to playing at the Liberty.”