‘We must prove ourselves’

Jordon Garrick reckons Swansea City’s youngsters must prove they are ready for first-team football in the Championship next season.

The 19-year-old scored five goials and provided a further five assists as the under-23s mounted a league and cup title challenge in the Premier League 2 last season.

Now the winger, who is fighting to be fit for pre-season following a torn hamstring, says the younger generation of players at the club must show they are good enough to make the step up.

“Relegation is of course a negative for the club but it could give younger players coming through the system a bit of extra belief,” Garrick said.

“We don’t want to stay in youth football the rest of our careers. We are all targeting first-team football.

“Like Oli McBurnie last season, some could have a chance to step up and show them what we could do at a higher level."

Garrick knows what it means to work his way up the football ladder after joining the Swans from non-league Ossett Albion in 2015 before progressing from the under-18s into the development set-up.

“It is important that if any of us get that chance we make sure we take it by the scruff of the neck and show what we can do," he added.

“Everyone will be working 10 times harder and looking to prove themselves in pre-season and show they deserve a chance.

“I hope more younger players get an opportunity next season. If one of us can stake a claim it will give us all confidence that we can get there.”