Bartley hoping for positive pre-season

Kyle Bartley is aiming to hit the ground running in pre-season as he bids to earn a place in Garry Monk's first-team.

The defender ended 2013-14 in the starting line-up as the Swans earned a 3-1 win against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Bartley began last season on loan at Championship side Birmingham, going on to play 19 games for Lee Clark's side and scoring five times.

After Garry Monk was named as the club's head coach back in February, the former Arsenal and Rangers man returned to the first-team fold but the defender was ruled out for two months after picking up an injury.

But after completing 90 minutes on the final day of last season, the 23-year-old is now hoping for a positive start to pre-season ahead of the club's fourth successive campaign in the Barclays Premier League.

"We've got a settled squad here now," said Bartley. "Hopefully the gaffer can do his business early this summer and we can aim to have a good season next year - and hopefully I can be a part of that.

"It's important for me to come back as fit as possible to give myself every chance of cementing my position.

"Garry gave me a chance against Everton in the FA Cup, but unfortunately I got injured.

"That was a bit of a setback but Gary is a great manager, he's been fantastic with everyone and morale is high."

Bartley joined the Swans back in August 2012 but was restricted to just five appearances during his maiden season at the Liberty.

But the defender is looking at the positives after getting the chance to play regular first-team football at Birmingham.

"It was a good move for me," he said. "I managed to play 20 games and it was great for my overall development.

"It was a frustrating end to the season for me but I was delighted to pull the shirt on again for the game against Sunderland.

"Thankfully we came away with a win that day and it was a good end to the season for us."