Joel Cotterill | I must be constantly thinking about the first team

Joel Cotterill says his recent experience of training with the first-team squad only fuelled his burning desire to eventually break into the senior environment on a full-time basis under Steve Cooper.

The 16-year-old midfielder, who has been with the Swans since he was seven, was a regular feature for the under-18s this season.

Despite playing up an age group, Cotterill was a consistent performer for Byron Anthony’s side in the middle of the park.

The cousin of former Swans winger David, he demonstrated his seamless ability to step up and take responsibility with commanding displays and driving runs into the heart of the opposition’s defence.

The schoolboy also furthered his development when the under-18s trained with Cooper’s first-team squad at Fairwood during the latter stages of the campaign.

And the head coach provided some words of wisdom for Cotterill, whose will and determination to progress right the way through the ranks only intensified as a result.

“It was a really good experience getting a taste of what first-team football is like,” he said.

“I tried to be myself and play my way as much as possible.

“When you make it to the top, you must focus on yourself and playing your own game.

“The gaffer said that he’s kept an eye on me for a while, he thinks I’ve got a really good chance at this club, and that I must kick on and be the best I can possibly be.

“I’ve got to take that information on board and be constantly thinking about what I must do to get into the first team.

“I must be thinking about who’s in front of me and who’s behind me; it’s my shirt and I don’t want anyone taking that away from me.”