Matt Grimes delighted with first Premier League start for Swansea City
28th December
Matt Grimes revealed his delight in helping the Swans pick up a point at Crystal Palace in his first Barclays Premier League start.
The 20-year-old was among eight changes made to the starting XI by caretaker-manager Alan Curtis for the trip to Selhurst Park, which came 48 hours after a 1-0 win over West Brom.
Grimes was part of a midfield diamond including Jack Cork, Jonjo Shelvey and Marvin Emnes as the Swans shared the spoils against the Eagles to move onto 19 points at the halfway stage of the campaign.
And he was delighted to have finally made his first league start since joining the Swans in January, having previously made three top-flight appearances last term.
"I really enjoyed it. I've been working hard to get this point and make my first Premier League start," said Grimes.
"I had to dig in like the rest of the lads in order to help us get a point.
"It's been a bit of a slow season for me, but now I've got my first start in the Premier League under my belt I hope to make a lot more."
Grimes played the full 90 minutes in South London in a game which was evenly matched.
Palace's best chance saw sub Patrick Bamford denied by a fine Lukasz Fabianski save while Swans' best effort came via a Gylfi Sigurdsson free-kick which was kept out by Wayne Hennessey.
And Grimes was happy to come away from Selhurst Park with a point, adding a third consecutive clean sheet will give them added confidence ahead of Saturday's trip to Manchester United.
"They pressed us well and didn't let us play our game, but we defended very well and kept a clean sheet," he said.
"When you keep a clean sheet you always have a chance to win a game.
"That's three in a row now and that is very pleasing for us."