Jonjo Shelvey's enjoying senior responsibilities at Swansea City
14th August
He may be just 23, but Jonjo Shelvey already feels he is playing the role of an elder statesman at Swansea City.
Despite being in his early twenties, the England international fulfils a more mature role within Garry Monk's squad these days.
Having made his professional debut for Charlton at the tender age of 16, Shelvey is now in his ninth season of senior football.
Three of those were spent at Anfield with Liverpool, and he's now into his third season at the Liberty.
And with just over 200 career appearances already under his belt, Shelvey feels his role has adjusted in recent times.
"I know I'm only 23 but I feel as though I'm an experienced player within this team and I can help the younger players," said Shelvey, who signed a new four-year contract this summer.
"I've been in the Premier League for a few years and it's an honour. Pulling on the shirt and seeing the Premier League badge on your arm is a great feeling.
"I've played quite a lot of games for my age, and I've learned a lot from different situations in games.
"So if I can help the younger players in the squad in any way then that's something I'd like to do."
A regular figure in Monk's plans last term as the Swans enjoyed a record-breaking campaign, Shelvey believes the strength in depth within the squad will push the club forward again this season.
The Swans boss has strong options when it comes to choosing his midfield, with Shelvey, Ki Sung-Yueng and Gylfi Sigurdsson also involved in last weekend's draw at Chelsea on the opening day of the season.
And Shelvey feels the pressure to perform will be a key component to the club's campaign.
"The level of competition for places we have now is great for the club. It makes you concentrate and work your socks off every day," said Shelvey, who worked closely with a personal trainer over the summer in order to return in top shape for pre-season.
"If you're not doing it in training then you won't play on the weekend. It's as simple as that.
"This manager will not pick you if you don't give absolutely everything you have got, and every player knows that.
"That is a great aspect to have - everyone pushing each other on, and ultimately that should mean good results for the club."
The Swans hope to build on last weekend's 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge when Newcastle United visit the Liberty on Saturday.
Goals from Andre Ayew and Bafe Gomis saw the Swans come from behind twice against the defending champions to earn a share of the spoils on the opening weekend of the Barclays Premier League campaign.
And Shelvey insists the squad are determined to do all they can to pick up a first win of the season.
"We were really happy with our performance and the result last weekend. Going to the champions and getting a point with a chance of winning it too was a good start for us," he added.
"With the players we have signed - on top of the players we already have here - I feel we can go anywhere and get a result.
"We are a lot harder to beat since Garry Monk took over. We were a different side last season to what we were the previous year.
"And with the quality of attacking players he has brought in, we know that as long as we keep our defensive shape then that will allow our attacking players to show their flair and cause damage to teams.
"The gaffer wants us to put on a show for the fans. We need to give them a result."
*Please note, the riverside path adjacent to the indoor barn development at Landore is still unusable for public access.
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