Flynn Downes relishes debut experience

New signing Flynn Downes relished his Swansea City debut, describing the draw with Sheffield United as the most enjoyable game he has played in during his fledgling career.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who joined from Ipswich Town earlier this week, earned praise from head coach Russell Martin after the match for his impressive, composed performance against a strong Blades side.

And Downes, who inked a four-year deal with the Swans, loved the experience of fitting into Martin's gameplan, and playing in front of nearly 16,000 members of the Jack Army.

“I think it was a very good performance from the boys,” said Downes.

“Sheffield United are basically a Premier League team, and they haven’t really lost many players from last year.

“To come up against them and play the football we did, play the way we did, it’s a credit to the boys, to the staff. It was a good night’s work, I thought.

“It was unbelievable to play in front of the fans. I think playing without fans is a bit flat, and that’s why I like the fans, because I ride on their energy.

“Everything from the pitch, to the stadium, to the fans, it was just brilliant. I can only imagine what it will be like when it’s fully packed.

“I came into this game after not having the best pre-season at Ipswich -- hadn’t played that many games, but the way [Martin] plays and the way he wants the boys to play… that’s the most enjoyable game I’ve played.”

Downes knows there is plenty of hard work still to be done, including ensuring the Swans carry a greater cutting edge in the final third. But he is confident that will come with more time spent on the training ground, as he cast his sights forward to Tuesday's clash with Stoke in SA1.

“I think once it all clicks, and we get that final product, we’ll be flying," he said.

“We’ve got to bring those performances now. This was a really good performance against a side who recently were a Premier League team, but we’ve got to add a goal.

"We know we have to add that final product to the performance and start scoring some goals. That’s what we’ll add on Tuesday, hopefully.”