Garry Monk: Gylfi Sigurdsson's an "even better" player now

Garry Monk believes Gylfi Sigurdsson is an even better player now than when he last played for the club after he starred on his second debut for the Swans.

The Icelandic midfielder marked his return to Swansea City with a brace as Monk's side stepped up their pre-season preparations with a 4-0 victory over League Two side Plymouth Argyle.

Following Rory Donnelly's first-half opener, Sigurdsson entered the fray in the second-half to contribute to Swansea's second goal before hitting a stunning brace.

Sigurdsson capped off a fine afternoon for the Swans when he side-footed home from Alex Bray's cut-back before finding the back of the net with a delightful curling free-kick with the last kick of the game.

"From the start of the summer, he was a player I really wanted to bring in straight away," insisted Monk.

"He's a top player - actually a better player than when he was first here.

"He's come in and contributed straight away today. He adds quality to our squad, which is what we want.

"It helps that he already knows how this club works. He knows me well, as well as a few of the boys, so in terms of settling in, that will help him."

And the Swans boss believes his side are well on course in their preparations for their 2014-15 Barclays Premier League opener against Manchester United.

"It was a good workout for us today," he added. "Plymouth worked us hard, especially in the first half.

"We're getting there. We controlled the game from start to finish and ended up with a nice result.

"The boys are working well. We could see today that some of the stuff we have been telling them, they are taking on board.

"Exeter will be another tough test on Tuesday. I know Paul Tisdale, their manager, well.

"It will be another difficult game, but it is one we are all looking forward to."