Home sweet home for Kenji

Kenji Gorre revealed his delight at going back to his roots during the club's pre-season visit to the Netherlands.

The summer recruit from Manchester United is part of Michael Laudrup's first team squad as they embark on a four-game tour in The Hague.

After arriving on Wednesday afternoon, the players have been put through their paces during double training sessions ahead of Saturday's game against FC Gravenzande.

But for Gorre in particular, this year's training camp is like home from home after the 18-year-old was born and raised in nearby Amsterdam.

"I love it out here," he said. "I've still got lots of friends and family that live in Amsterdam so it's nice to be back in the country.

"I played football from an early age and moved to England when I was five years old before eventually going on and signing for United."

After a trial spell at the Liberty towards the end of last season, Gorre signed a permanent deal earlier this summer and has already featured for the club's Under-21 side.

After a number of eye-catching displays, the youngster has been handed his chance to impress Michael Laudrup and his coaching staff during the Swans' stay in the Netherlands.

"I'm really enjoying it so far," said Kenji. "It's all good experience for me and I'm just trying to learn as much as I can from the senior players in the squad.

"We have a really good bunch of lads here and I feel as though I've settled in quite well."

"Ultimately, my aim is to just try and prove to the manager that I'm good enough. Hopefully I can get a couple of appearances in some of the cup competitions and go from there."

Gorre is the son of former Barnsley and Huddersfield midfielder Dean, who also featured 36 times for Ajax in his playing days - featuring alongside a certain Michael Laudrup during a two-year spell in Amsterdam.

After signing for Manchester United, Kenji featured prominently in the club's youth team and played in the 5-1 FA Youth Cup win against the Swans at the Liberty back in February 2012.

"United was a fantastic education," he said. "We had the best manager in the world at the time and we couldn't have asked for anyone better.

"Even though I was with the youth team we still had a few chances to train with the senior players and that was a great experience.

"Everyone is really close at Swansea, which is a new for me, but even at United the first team players were on hand to speak to you and offer any advice.

"To have someone like Ryan Giggs speak to you on that level was a great confidence boost and he really made you feel part of it."