First Swansea City goal a perfect birthday present for Matt Grimes

15th July

Matt Grimes celebrated his birthday in the perfect manner - with his first Swansea City goal.
The midfielder turned 20 on the day the Swans faced Champions League qualifiers Borussia Monchengladbach in the opening game of their tour of Germany.
With the Swans trailing at the break, Grimes was among 11 changes made by Garry Monk on the hour mark.
And he made a big impact, looking cool and composed in possession along with slotting home the all-important equaliser from a Wayne Routledge cross.
It proved the perfect present, especially as it was a first 'righty' for the left-footed midfielder.



"It was unbelievable. I couldn't have asked for much more of a birthday present," said the England Under-20 captain.
"I think it was the first right-footed goal of my career. I know it's not a competitive game but to me they all count, so I'll take that as my first 'righty'."
Grimes, signed from Exeter City in January, made his Barclays Premier League debut via a late cameo in the 3-1 win over Hull City.
Further performances off the bench in the win at Newcastle along with the final-day defeat at Crystal Palace followed.
And Grimes is hoping a solid pre-season can help his chances of gaining further first-team appearances.



"I knew I'd get a chance at this club - that's what drew me here," said Grimes. "It came quicker than I thought I would, but I'll continue to work hard and prove to the manager and everyone else that I can do it.
"I thought I did well today. I still don't feel 100 per cent match sharp, which I can't expect to be in the first game of pre-season.
"It's just a case of getting the rustiness out of my legs and keep pushing on and working hard in training. That's what these games are about."
He added: "It's not about the result, but I think it's a good result for us. They are in the Champions League so they are a strong outfit and I thought we held our own.
"We have gelled as a team, got match-time together and we're getting sharper for the start of the season."

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