Oli salutes the 'magic man'

6th September
First team

Oli McBurnie has described Jefferson Montero as Swansea City’s “magic man” and reckons the winger can be a key player in the Championship this season.

Montero produced a dazzling display after coming off the bench at Millwall last weekend to inspire Graham Potter’s team to a comeback win.

The Swans were a goal down and a man light when Montero arrived as a 64th-minute substitute at The Den.

But the Ecuador international laid on Kyle Naughton’s equaliser and McBurnie’s late winner as the Swans claimed a thrilling victory.

It was the second time in just four appearances so far this season that Montero has sparked a stunning Swans comeback after a similar performance at Sheffield United on the opening day.

And McBurnie believes the speedster is primed to make a big impression under Potter.

“Teams in the Championship don’t tend to have players with Jeff’s quality,” the striker said.

“I don’t think there are many sides in the division who would like to see him warming up with 20 minutes to go.

“The magic man came on at Millwall and gave me the tap-in at the end which I was very grateful for.

“The weight of pass for the goal was perfect – the amount of talent he has got is ridiculous.”

Montero has showed on numerous occasions since he joined the Swans back in 2014 that he can be a matchwinner.

His searing pace and ability to beat a man made him a major threat in the Premier League when he was on song.

And though his appearances so far have been fleeting, Montero has already proved that he can be a potent weapon in the second tier.

The challenge for the Swans is to ensure Montero, who has been unfortunate with injuries over the years, remains available for the majority of the season.

“Jeff showed again against Millwall what he is about,” McBurnie added.

“He came on with 20 minutes to go and won the man of the match award.

“It is no surprise because he has done that to teams in the Premier League.

“You have seen what he has done to the likes of (Branislav) Ivanovic and other Premier League players. His ability has never been in question.

“He is a weapon for us, but we just need to make sure he is fit.”