Arthur Parker | Hard work and dedication has paid off

Defender Arthur Parker believes years of hard work and dedication have paid off after he made his senior debut for Swansea City in their Carabao Cup victory over Crawley Town at the Swansea.com Stadium.

The 19-year-old picked up the Under-21s' Player of the Season nod at both the first-team and academy annual awards at the end of last season, and was named on the bench for last season's Championship fixture against Burnley by head coach Alan Sheehan.

The former Fulham youth player, who spent nine years on the books with the Cottagers, put pen to paper on his professional contract last summer, and has relished the chance to be part of the senior squad.

And he was delighted to make his bow under the lights at the Swansea.com Stadium.

"It was an amazing feeling to make my senior debut, it's something I've worked towards my whole life. It's even better for it to have happened at home in front of the fans," said Parker.

"The hard work and effort you put in across your whole career brings you up to this point and, now I've made that extra step, I hope there's many more to come.

"My journey since joining the club has been great. I've had injury frustrations, I've signed a pro deal, captained the under-21s and the coaches have been amazing.

"I believe I've progressed really well through the system since I've joined, it was great to share the pitch with other boys who've come through the academy, it shows how good the pathway is here at Swansea City."