Plenty more to prove, says Bartley

Kyle Bartley insists he has plenty more to prove at Swansea City after signing a new contract.

The centre-back today penned a four-year deal at the Liberty, which ties him to the club until 2021.

It provides the 26-year-old with a big boost ahead of the start of the 2017-18 campaign as he looks to build on a hugely successful loan spell with Leeds United last season.

And Bartley, who impressed in the club’s recent tour of America, is determined to show how he has developed as he looks to earn a place in Paul Clement’s first-team plans.

“Personally, the main reason for me wanting to sign a deal was that I feel have a lot to prove at the club,” said Bartley.

“I gained a lot more confidence and experience from my loan spell last season. I feel a better person and a better player.

“I want to be able to express that on the pitch and fight for a first-team place.”

The centre-back pairing of Alfie Mawson and Federico Fernandez was a regular partnership utilised in the heart of defence last season under Clement.

But Bartley is relishing the opportunity to battle for a starting spot with Mawson, Fernandez and Mike van der Hoorn.

“This is the Premier League so you’ll always have competition for places,” he added.

“Federico and Alfie did fantastic last season, particularly towards the end – I thought they were our two star men.

“For me and the rest of the squad it’s about pushing each other and trying to get the best out of each other. Whoever the manager chooses, we will all be supporting each other and hope we get the right result.”