Midfield duo closing in on return to action

Russell Martin believes Korey Smith and Liam Walsh are not far off a return to first-team action, even though Wednesday's clash against Millwall will come too soon for them.

The Swansea head coach praised the professionalism of the pair in their rehabilitation and return to training. Smith has been sidelined since being forced off in the season opener against Blackburn with a calf injury, while Walsh picked up a hamstring injury in the pre-season friendly against Southampton.. 

"Korey and Walshy are not far off at all from being involved in a matchday," said Martin. 

"Korey is back in training, Liam Walsh is continuing, Walshy has been training for a couple of weeks and looking really great, he's nearly ready. Tivonge (Rushesha) has been great too.

"Korey has only trained for three days, he was out for four or five weeks. He's looked really good, which I'm not surprised by as he's put hard work in and he's a fantastic professional, he's looking really sharp."

New signing, Rhys Williams picked up a knock in Saturday's fixture against Hull City, but Martin is confident he is ready to go and expects to have the same group of players to select from against the Lions.

"He’s fine. I thought he was great. He's been great, having needed time to work on things," Martin added.

"Everyone’s come through okay. A few little knocks but they were all on the grass, which was great.  So everyone’s looking good and we’re ready to go tomorrow."