Joe's debut pride

Joe Rodon admits he could not have asked for a better debut after playing his part in Swansea City’s 1-0 win over Preston North End.

The 20-year-old, who has come through the ranks after joining the Swans at under-nine level, made his senior bow for his hometown club as they saw off Alex Neil’s side thanks to Jay Fulton’s first-half header.

Rodon produced a solid performance as he started alongside Mike van der Hoorn in the heart of the Swans defence.

He was also delighted by the support he received from his team-mates as he prepared to step out at the Liberty for the first time.

“To be honest, it’s still all a blur to me,” he said. “With a clean sheet and win, I couldn’t have asked for a better debut.

“It’s been 12 or 13 years since I started this journey. To join as an under-nine player with a season ticket and finally be a part of it now is all a dream. Hopefully, I can do more. 

“I’m at the age now where the gaffer’s got to be able to rely on me and, after all these years, it’s exciting to finally get there and I’m grateful for this opportunity.

“Everyone in that dressing room was supporting me. I’m just grateful to have a great bunch of players and staff behind me. It gives me that extra lift in my confidence to go out and play.”