Grimes relishing new role

Matt Grimes is hoping to make his mark at Swansea City this season after being given a new role by Graham Potter.

Grimes is a midfielder by trade, but he has been used at on the left side of defence for much of pre-season.

And whether he is operating in a back four or at left-wingback, Grimes has relished the opportunity handed to him by Potter.

“I’m enjoying it to be honest,” he said.

“Obviously I’ll play wherever the manager needs me to play, and I’ve enjoyed the new challenge.

“I’m learning game by game and, like I say, wherever he needs me I’ll be there.

“I need to keep learning and keep improving.”

Grimes is back in the Swans fold having returned from a season-long loan spell at Northampton Town.

The former Exeter man played regular football throughout the campaign for the Cobblers, and now hopes to claim a place in Potter’s starting side.

“I feel very ready now,” he added.

“I played 90 minutes against Newport, 90 minutes against Eibar and got another 70 minutes under my belt today against Freiburg.

“Obviously I’m taking things in my stride at the moment and not thinking too far ahead.

“But of course I’m feeling ready to make my mark. I’m buzzing for the season to start and I’m rearing to go.”

The Swans return home from their pre-season tour of Austria and Germany today after defeat by SC Freiburg in their final warm-up game ahead of the new season.

Despite the result, Grimes feels the Swans have shown some promising signs.

“It was a tough game to play in against Freiburg,” he said.

“The conditions were tough and they were a good side, but I thought we showed glimpses of what we’ve been working on in training again, much like we did against Eibar.

“We just need to take the minutes under our belt and look forward to the game next week.

“The lads are feeling fit, we feel good and we’re all looking forward to next week against Sheffield United.”