Carlos: Bony is on the up

Carlos Carvalhal reckons Wilfried Bony is on the up after the striker returned to action at Wolves yesterday.

Bony had not featured for Swansea City since injuring his hamstring at Everton a week before Christmas.

But the influential frontman made a welcome return in this weekend’s Emirates FA Cup goalless draw.

Bony came close to breaking the deadlock at Molineux, forcing a smart save from Wolves keeper Will Norris in the second half.

He eventually came off having got 77 minutes under his belt, and the Swans now hope the Ivory Coast international will be in better shape come next Saturday’s key Premier League game at Newcastle United.

Bony has always been a player who needs time to get up to full speed after a spell without match action, hence Carvalhal was keen to give him some game-time at Wolves.

“It’s good for Wilfried to get those minutes,” said the Swans manager.

“We know he is not in 100 per cent physical condition at the moment, but we played him because we must push him. That is because we need him.

“He did okay in the game. Considering the condition he is in, he was very good.

“We know that as his condition gets better, he will be play better, but so far I am very happy with him.”

Bony only returned to team training last Wednesday, and will benefit from getting a full week’s work at Fairwood under his belt ahead of the Newcastle clash.

Connor Roberts, meantime, could be a contender to feature on Tyneside after letting nobody down on his Swans debut yesterday.

The young right-back played 90 minutes in the absence of Kyle Naughton and Angel Rangel, and is an option for Newcastle.

Naughton will complete his three-match ban next weekend, while it remains to be seen whether Rangel will be available after a calf problem.

“Connor did very well,” Carvalhal said.

“I had an opportunity to talk with Alan Curtis, who has followed all the loan players, and he gave me good information about Connor.

“I also analysed him myself and I had seen him play for Middlesbrough, so I felt confident he would be okay. He did very well.”