'It was a release of emotion'

Wayne Routledge opened up on the emotion and relief he felt after playing a starring role in Swansea City’s 3-2 win at Brentford.

The winger marked his first appearance since early October with a goal and an assist, along with a key performance in a dramatic five-goal thriller.

Routledge sent the Swans on their way by tapping home Barrie McKay’s cross with just 33 seconds on the clock.

After Chris Mepham turned in Nathan Dyer’s low cross to double the Swans’ lead, Routledge’s Rabona cross was eventually directed into the net by captain Leroy Fer after 27 minutes.

Brentford reduced the deficit through Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma, with the Swans surviving a late surge which saw sub Sergi Canos strike the crossbar in the final moments.

It was a rollercoaster ride for the 1,600-strong travelling support, while it proved a big moment or Routledge.

The 33-year-old, who has spent the last seven years at the Liberty, made only his third league start of the campaign.

But his performance gave a timely reminder of the experience and quality he has to offer Potter’s young team.

“It was a release of emotion to celebrate this win with the fans,” he said.

“It has been a difficult five months - not just for me but for a few of the boys in and around the squad because we have not been playing.

“Me and Nathan have leaned on each other to help us through a tough time and work our way back into the team.

“It was just a matter of working hard and hoping and waiting for a chance to help the team.

“We got the chance on Saturday and I think we showed our quality even though we were not up to full match speed – we helped the team to the win.

“It was almost a relief to show people that Nathan and I can still do a job for this team. Where it goes from here is out of our hands, but we will give 110 percent like we always do for the team.”