Martin praises debutants after Rotherham draw

30th July
First team
Nathan Wood in the third kit

Russell Martin praised the displays of debutants Harry Darling and Nathan Wood after the pair impressed in Swansea City’s Championship opener at Rotherham United.

The two centre-halves lined up alongside Kyle Naughton in the Swans defence at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.

Wood, who arrived from Middlesbrough over the summer, got better and better as the afternoon went on, while Darling – signed from MK Dons last month – marked his Swans bow with a stunning goal from distance in the 1-1 draw.

And Martin expects the pair to continue to grow and improve as they get more and more game time under their belts.

“I think Harry really grew after the goal. He got better and better, and Nathan Wood was absolutely outstanding,” said the Swansea head coach.

Harry Darling shoots right-footed

“Everyone will talk about Harry because of the goal, but Nathan was excellent.

“You have to consider he is a young man who has only been with us for six weeks in a new way of working and playing and we are really excited about him and Harry.

“They have a guy playing between them (Kyle Naughton) who helps so much with his knowledge, and is so calm and composed.

“We are excited about all the young lads. Matty Sorinola showed glimpses, as well.

“We have known Harry is capable of scoring goals like that from his time at MK.

“He is a young man who has lived with his parents for 21 years, and now he has moved out and into a place of his own, at a new club and in a new area.

“Like the other young players here, he is only going to get better and better.”