Here's your round-up of all the latest Swansea City headlines for Friday, March 4.
Naughton setting example for Burns
Russell Martin says former team-mate Kyle Naughton's presence is helping to bring out the best in his Swansea stars.
The 33-year-old has missed the last four games due to a thigh problem, but made an impressive return to the starting line-up in the win over West Bromwich Albion on Monday.
Martin was dazzled by the veteran's showing at The Hawthorns, and says the full-back's return has helped others raise their game this week.
One man Martin believes is benefiting from the veteran's experience is Manchester City loanee Finley Burns.
"I spoke to Fin about it after the game, and he explained how much he learned from watching Kyle," Martin said. "He couldn't believe how good a player he was. I played with Kyle when he was 19/20 years-old at Norwich. He was incredibly gifted then and hopefully now he's in a system he can really flourish in and really enjoy it.
"It’s not just what players like that bring on the pitch, it’s also what they bring off the pitch too.
"He trains every day. He’s in great shape physically. But mentality is more important. He wants to play every game, wants to train. He's kept himself in great condition.
"He's really conscious of what he puts in his body, how he looks after himself. While we’re here as a group of staff, I'm pretty sure we want Kyle Naughton with us."
Ogbeta closing in on return
Martin says he has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday's clash with Coventry City, and says he's hopeful that January arrival Nathanael Ogbeta will be available soon.
The full-back arrived on deadline day, but is yet to make his Swans debut due to a hamstring injury.
Martin has insisted the youngster won't be rushed back, but is hopeful of a return to full training soon.
"I think it’s the same as Monday," Martin said when quizzed on team news ahead of the clash with the Sky Blues. "Really easy one to answer! Everyone from Monday’s available and fit.
"Our injury record’s been pretty good in terms of muscle injuries. It's just been a few niggles here and there, which you expect.
"Nathanael is the only one and he's getting much closer. He was on the grass today which is really positive for us, but we have to make sure we build him slowly. There’s no point rushing him. Hopefully he’ll be with us in the next couple of weeks."
Martin's Toshack message
Martin says Swansea were left 'shocked and saddened' to find out that legendary former player-manager John Toshack had been admitted to intensive care after contracting Covid-19.
Toshack is being treated at a hospital in Barcelona after after being admitted last weekend with breathing difficulties. He has been battling pneumonia, brought on by Covid, but there are signs that he's making positive progress in his recovery.
The 72-year-old is revered all over the world due to his globe-trotting career, and is fondly remembered in SA1 as the man that took the Swans from the bottom tier all the way to the top division.
“Everyone here sends their best wishes to John and his family,” said Swans boss Martin.
“We were shocked and saddened by the news, we have not had an update since but we hope for positive news.
“He is a legend at this club, and we wish him well and hope for positive news soon.”
Fisher's Premier League dream
Andy Fisher says he's dreaming of taking Swansea back into the Premier League - and believes Martin is the man to help make it happen.
Fisher played for Martin at MK Dons, and has now arrived at the Swansea.com Stadium seemingly as the club's number one between the sticks.
The 24-year-old has already seen first hand what can be achieved when Martin's methods click into gear, and believes it spells a bright future for the Swans.
"Getting back to the Premier League," Fisher emphatically replied when asked about his ambitions in south Wales.
"I think we're still learning the way he plays.
"But I’ve been through this process before and when it clicks, it clicks. It’s a nice way to play and it can destroy teams.”
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