Kyle pleased with Wolves return

Kyle Bartley hopes his season is back on track after returning to action in Swansea City’s goalless draw at Wolves.

Bartley had not played a first-team game since damaging knee ligaments in the Carabao Cup tie at MK Dons back in August.

But the big central defender produced a solid performance after being drafted into the side for the Emirates FA Cup third-round trip to Molineux.

And after getting injured just at the moment when he seemed poised to stake a claim for a regular spot in the Swans’ first team, Bartley was delighted to get back on to the pitch.

“It’s great to get 90 minutes under my belt,” he said.

“To keep a clean sheet was a bonus, although we were all disappointed not to get the win.

“It was a disappointment for me getting injured when I did because I had just got into the team.

“Now it’s about continuing to improve and making sure the manager knows what I can do on the pitch and off the pitch.

“I just want to help the team as much as I can.”

The Swans will face Wolves in a replay at the Liberty Stadium after battling to a draw in the Black Country.

Carlos Carvalhal’s men had to do their share of defending against the Championship leaders, although they had opportunities going forward too.

Bartley’s disappointment was that the Swans did not make enough use of the numerical advantage they had for around a third of the game after Wolves’ Ruben Vinagre saw red.

Vinagre walked before the break for a foul on Nathan Dyer, only for Leroy Fer to be controversially dismissed midway through the second half for tripping Helder Costa.

“Wolves are a very good team having a good season,” Bartley added. “We knew it would be a good challenge. When they went down to 10 we should have taken advantage.

“We should have moved the ball around quicker and tried to open them up.

“But we will look to win the tie at home now. It’s important to get that winning feeling back and it will be an opportunity to do that.”