Byers: Injury frustration has made me stronger
George Byers believes he has become stronger mentally after bouncing back from injury disappointment to return to the Swansea City starting line-up.
The 22-year-old - Swansea's Under-23 player of the year last season - recently broke back into the first team after a groin injury played a part in bringing his initial run of appearances to a halt earlier in the season.
Since being recalled to the matchday squad for the FA Cup win over Gillingham, the attacking midfielder has become a regular starter playing in both advanced and deeper midfield roles.
His run in the side has seen him trigger a contract extension that ties him to the Swans until the summer of 2021.
Byers has also netted his first senior goals during that time, scoring in consecutive home games against Millwall and Brentford, and he will hope to continue his run in the side when Bolton visit the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.
And, while injuries during pre-season and the campaign itself proved frustrating, it has just added to Byers' determination to make the most of his opportunity.
"Those disappointments and frustrations make you stronger – both as a player and a human being," he said.
"I had a small tear in my groin. It came at a frustrating time for me. I spent time with the under-23s and any time you play for the under-23s, you have to try and do your best. I was building back up to fitness and getting some minutes under my belt.
"I was still training with the first team and trying as hard as I could. I just had to be patient, stick at it and hope my chance would come around again.
There are a lot of games in the Championship so I knew I would at some point the chance would come."
Tickets for the Bolton game are available – get yours HERE or call the ticket office on 01792 616400. Watch the game in style in our 1912 Heritage lounge – contact our dedicated hospitality team on 01792 616628 or on hospitality@swanseacity.com. Travel with Zeelo to get picked up near your home/pub and dropped off right outside the Liberty and returned back after the game. Book your coach HERE.
