Oli eyes bright future

Oli McBurnie can see brighter times ahead for Swansea City as they get set for their first game under Graham Potter.

The Swans play their opening pre-season fixture of the summer when they go to Yeovil Town on Tuesday night (7.45pm).

And McBurnie, who returns to Swans colours after his impressive loan spell at Barnsley last season, is in optimistic mood as the build-up to the new Championship season gathers pace.

“Last year was tough for everyone involved with the club,” he said.

“And when I was away on loan, it was tough looking from the outside at what was happening.

“But there’s definitely going to be some more positives this year.

“I think a lot of things are going to change and hopefully we will see the benefits of that on the pitch.

“I think we have some really talented footballers and I believe we can do really well this year.”

McBurnie knows as well as anyone at the Liberty what sort of challenge the Swans will face in 2018-19.

After all, he got a taste of the Championship during his impressive stint at Barnsley in the spring.

McBurnie had never previously turned out in the second tier, but the 22-year-old was named player of the season by the Tykes after scoring nine goals in 17 appearances for the Yorkshire club.

“It’s definitely a tough league,” he added.

“There are lots of games that come thick and fast but in a way that can help you.

“If you pick up a bit of momentum and a few wins you can move right up the table.

“For me it was a really fun league to play in. I learned a lot and I am looking forward to playing it in this year.”

McBurnie is one of a number of Swans who will hope to get some game-time under his belt as Potter’s team take on Yeovil.

Former Swan Darren Way’s Glovers side are preparing for the new League Two campaign having finished 19th in the fourth tier last season.

“I don’t think you look too much at results at this stage. Of course you always want to win but it’s just about getting your match fitness up,” McBurnie said.

“I was lucky enough to play a couple of games for Scotland in the summer so I feel a bit sharper than I might have done, but a few of the boys haven’t touched a ball for a while so it’s about getting that rhythm and momentum back and that match sharpness.

“As pre-season goes on we will work more and more tactical things.

“I think the gaffer is keen to work on that straightaway which is really good because it means we have a plan and we know what we are doing, but it’s just about fitness and sharpness at the start.”