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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

What's happened to Joel Piroe during enforced lay-off as Swansea City star apologises to team-mates

Russell Martin believes Joel Piroe has regained a "spark" during his time out of action due to suspension.

The Dutchman was banned for three matches as a result of the red card he was shown during Swansea City's 4-0 loss to Burnley at Turf Moor earlier this month. It meant he missed his side's Championship matches against Reading, Cardiff City and Bristol City - with Martin's men claiming seven of the nine points on offer without their top scorer.

He is available for the Swans' clash with Preston North End at Deepdale on Tuesday night, and ahead of the contest in Lancashire, Martin revealed the striker has been hitting peak levels in training ahead of his return to action.

READ MORE: The Swansea City star getting better with every game as 'brilliant mentality' on show at Bristol City

"He's got a bit of a spark back. With Joel, it's been relentless for him, coming over and playing a whole season in the Championship and to carry on playing every game this season," said the Swansea boss.

"He's been so frustrated with himself, he's got such high standards because he judges himself on goals, but he brings us so much more than that. We're trying to remind him of that.

"I think he'll ready benefit from this break. He had a couple of days of down time after the red card.

"He was so disappointed with himself and apologised to his team-mates. But I do think we'll get a big reaction from him when he comes back. He's in, probably the best shape I've seen him, physically. We did some running the other day and I've never seen him run like that. He's in a brilliant place and I think he'll come back with a real bang."

Piroe has netted four goals across his 14 league appearances for the Swans so far this term.

Ryan Manning and Jamie Paterson are both available for the game against Preston, although Joe Allen misses out through injury. Long-term absentee Liam Walsh remains unavailable.

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