Matt Gill | Olivier Ntcham goal underlines importance of everyone contributing

Swansea City assistant head coach Matt Gill believes Olivier Ntcham’s matchwinning contribution off the bench at Blackpool underlines the importance of squad depth and togetherness.

The French midfielder fired the Swans ahead late in the match with a cool finish beyond keeper Daniel Grimshaw, after a lung-busting run in support of Michael Obafemi’s swift counter-attacking break.

The Swans had won the ball just inside their area on a sweltering afternoon on the north-west coast, and the two attackers combined to strike the decisive blow to take all three points back to SA1 in front of some 1,500 away fans.

Blackpool had enjoyed a similar opportunity themselves a few minutes earlier when Josh Bowler ran in on goal with a tangerine shirt in support, but he opted not to pass and the chance was wasted.

But Obafemi showed real maturity and unselfishness to play in ex-Celtic man in on goal as he galloped up to give him a passing option, and Gill was delighted with how the two dovetailed, particularly the energy Ntcham provided.

‘The gaffer [Russell Martin] has mentioned numerous times about needing the whole squad,” he said.

“The lads spoke last week about what it means to be good team-mates to each other, and having a good impact off the bench is going to be so important going forward as well. 

“I’m really happy for Olivier. He’s had a good pre-season behind him and works immensely hard in training.

“I’m really pleased for him to come off the bench to make an impact. That’s what it takes in the Championship, you're going to need everyone to contribute and everyone to work for each other.”