Potter confident over local lads

Graham Potter is confident local lads Connor Roberts and Joe Rodon will soon be tied to long-term Swansea City contracts.

Roberts and Rodon have been two of the stars of the season so far at the Liberty Stadium having established themselves in the first team.

Roberts landed his senior debut back in January, going on to make 11 appearances in the second half of last term, but he has kicked on again in 2018-19.

The 23-year-old has played every minute of the Swans’ Championship campaign so far and also established himself in Ryan Giggs’s Wales team.

Rodon was also part of the Wales squad this week having burst on to the first-team scene in SA1 this season.

The 20-year-old has seized his opportunity following the summer departures of four central defenders, making 10 Championship appearances so far.

Like Roberts, Rodon’s Swans contract expires at the end of the season – but Potter is optimistic that both players will recommit.

“We have nothing to report at the moment but we are conscious of their situations and things are ongoing,” said the Swans boss.

“We are quite relaxed about it. I think in both cases that we both appreciate each other.

“Connor is a local lad. He loves the club and he wants to be here.

“I think it’s more a matter of time (until a new contract is signed) to be honest because the will is there from both parties to resolve it.

“And I get the impression it’s similar with Joe.

“He is another local lad who knows the club and the club knows him.

“He is a young guy breaking into the team and he knows he is in a good place. He is enjoying his football here.”

Roberts has played twice for Wales in the last seven days, in the home defeat to Spain and the away win over the Republic of Ireland.

Rodon was on the bench for both games, while another Swans academy product, winger Daniel James, was also drafted into the squad for the Irish trip.

“It’s great for the three of them and it’s great for everyone connected with our club,” Potter added.

“Connor has had two good games. I am sure the Spanish game was a tactical lesson he will learn from and then they had the good win in Ireland.

“And while Joe didn’t play, he is now part of the national set-up, which is a good boost for him.

“What the three lads have done just goes to show that if young players are given an opportunity in the right environment, they can achieve things.”