Rangel eyes rapid return

Angel Rangel hopes to return to action soon having been denied the chance to stake his claim for a regular starting spot by injury.

Swansea City’s club skipper has been forced to play second fiddle to Kyle Naughton at right-back for most of this season.

He looked set for a long-awaited run of games after Naughton picked up a three-match ban – but was then struck down by injury.

Rangel made his first Premier League start of the season against Tottenham last week, but he lasted only 53 minutes after picking up a calf problem.

As a result the Swans stalwart missed last weekend’s Emirates FA Cup tie at Wolves, while he is also a serious doubt for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United.

Rangel is understandably frustrated at the timing of the injury, but insists that his comeback is not far away.

“I was unfortunate to pick up my injury and it was frustrating because I’d been working hard for my opportunity,” he said.

“It had been over two months since my last start, so it was disappointing to have to come off.

“But I’m old enough to know that it’s football and these things happen. I just need to recover as quickly as possible.

“You never want to rush back from an injury because you risk it coming back, so you have to take your time. I’m progressing well and hopefully I’ll be back soon.”

The Swans will look for some revenge at Newcastle having lost to the Magpies at the Liberty early in the season.

Jamaal Lascelles’ goal proved the difference between the sides back in September, and Rangel has urged his team-mates to turn the tables four months on.

“Newcastle were very organised in their play at the Liberty and showed good pace,” he added.

“They are on a good run at the moment, but we have a chance to put in a good performance away from home and, hopefully, get something out the game so that we are in a position where we can get out of the relegation zone.”