Filip Lissah ready to build on first competitive start
Filip Lissah believes his loan spell at Falkirk has been crucial in putting him in the first-team mix at Swansea City, after making his maiden competitive start for the club in Saturday's Carabao Cup clash with Birmingham City.
The defender returned to SA1 after spending all of last season with the Scottish top-flight club, making more than 30 appearances for The Bairns in all competitions.
Lissah described the experience as invaluable, having enjoyed a sustained run of senior football after marking himself as a stand-out performer for Swansea City's under-21s.
Having returned to SA1 over the summer, the 21-year-old featured heavily during pre-season under head coach Vitor Matos, and is eyeing a potential Championship debut in this weekend's league opener at Stoke City.
"I’m looking forward to it," he said.
"Hopefully, I’ve done enough to impress and hopefully keep my position in the team.
"But I’m definitely looking forward to the chance to make my Championship debut.
"The loan last season was massive for my career and what I needed at the time.
"I needed to get out and play regular football. It was an amazing opportunity for me, and I have nothing but the utmost respect and gratitude for everyone out there for the opportunities they gave me for my career.
"It was then kind of up to me to play the football up there. I’m glad that I’m back here now and hopefully can continue that."
The loan spell also saw Lissah gain experience in a number of different positions, something that has become an important part of his game.
He has since been deployed at right-back on his return, while also featuring at left-back during his time in Scotland and occasionally in midfield.
Lissah says he is simply happy to be playing football and believes his versatility can prove an asset to the Swans.
"I’m enjoying it," he said when asked about playing at right-back.
"I think it’s part of my game, the versatility. I can play right-back, centre-back, played left-back up in Scotland as well, and midfield sometimes as well.
"So I just enjoy playing football and being on the pitch wherever I’m needed.”
The Swans were frustrated to start the season with defeat against the Blues on Saturday particularly after having much the better of the opening half.
Lissah believes it will take time for the group to build relationships and understand each other's games as the new arrivals bed in, but he saw plenty of encouraging signs despite the cup defeat.
"It’s not how we wanted to start the season off, going out the cup in the first round, but I think on an individual note, it’s a proud moment for myself to make my first start for the club,” he added.
"I think you can see even today the moments of play where we’re looking really good, and it will take a bit of time for the squad to gel with each other.
"We’re all learning kind of how each other play, but there are still moments in the game where we can take the positives from.
"We had good moments of play, so I think it won’t be too long before it clicks for everyone."