Here's your round-up of all the latest Swansea City headlines for Friday, November 4.
Martin rules out Whittaker recall
Russell Martin admits he's been impressed by the progress made by Plymouth Argyle loanee Morgan Whittaker, but has ruled out the possibility of recalling him from his spell at Home Park.
The 21-year-old is in red-hot form for the Pilgrims, having clocked up seven goals and five assists in 20 games in all competitions this term.
READ MORE: Swansea City boss Russell Martin tells club to get two deals done before January transfer window
It's a run that has seen the winger touted as one of the hottest properties in League One, but Martin is in no rush to bring him back to SA1, pointing to the progress made by Ollie Cooper out on loan last season.
"He's in a great place. They're having a really good time. They're having a really good season. I don't know why we'd disrupt that really.
"If you look at the strength we have in the squad currently, we'd only bring him back if we thought he could play the minutes he's playing there. Ollie Cooper is such a great example for that last season.
"What that did for Ollie, hopefully it'll do the same for Morgan. Do I see him or Kyle [Joseph] coming back for us? No. Not at the minute.
"Things can change, but they're in a really good place and really enjoying their football and that'll play a big part in their development."
The very fact such a suggestion has even been mentioned signals a big moment in the winger's Swansea career, given he had previously laboured to make his mark on the first team set-up.
"We said all along that he's got a long-term contract here," Martin continued. "He was an investment for the club. He'd not actually played very much football.
"He didn't play very much here under Steve [Cooper] and didn't play very much for us. He went out on loan and did quite well at Lincoln. So it was about building on that really.
"He's done really, really well, playing in a position that we didn't think he was going to play, but actually adapted to it really well. It was important that we found the right loan in terms of a team that tries to dominate the ball, has a good style of play, which they do.
"Morgan has a chance to be a part of something really special there and have another 40 games under his belt."
Paterson and Allen update
Russell Martin says Swans playmaker Jamie Paterson is closing in on a first team return.
The forward has made two consecutive appearances off the bench as he bids to complete a comeback from a hamstring injury, and Martin believes the 30-year-old is getting closer to firing on all cylinders.
"Pato is very close to a start," he said. "He did great and was sharp when he came on the other night.
“We need to build him up in terms of fitness, and he is one who will benefit from the World Cup break, and we can build that sharpness and fitness, because he's been out for quite a while. So it is great having his energy and personality around the place."
Meanwhile, Joe Allen remains sidelined amid ongoing fears over his fitness for the World Cup, but Martin says the midfielder is working hard behind the scenes to get his fitness back on track.
"Joe's working really, really hard," he added. "He's having various treatments, seeing various specialists to make sure we can do everything we possibly can. It's been a positive week for Joe really in terms of where he was and where he's at now.
"We're all keeping our fingers crossed that he keeps on that trajectory and on that path. Hopefully it'll be great news for Wales and for us as well."
Martin hits out at FIFA
Meanwhile, Martin has hit out at FIFA after the governing body's decision to urge teams to focus on football rather than politics at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
Reports suggest FIFA have written to each side participating in the tournament, urging them not to drag football "into every ideological or political battle that exists".
It comes after Wales boss Rob Page confirmed skipper Gareth Bale will wear the One Love armband, which aims to raise awareness around the fight against discrimination.
"I don't think FIFA were concentrating on football when they decided on what the host nation would be," Martin said when quizzed on the developments.
"I think it's then a bit hypocritical to then tell the nations that are playing in it to just concentrate on football.
Get your brilliant 48-page Wales at the World Cup preview special
"It just frustrates me in football that you get battered and criticised for not having an opinion and then when you do have an opinion you get criticised for that. So you're damned if you do and damned if you don't.
"If the players decide to wear an armband then we talk about freedom of speech and freedom of choice and all that stuff. It's not going to stop them from being focused on football. They're still going to be focused on playing for their country and trying to win the World Cup for their country.
"If certain players have an opinion, I don't see why they shouldn't be allowed to."
READ MORE:
